Freetown firefighter competing for the title of New England's Funniest Firefighter

FREETOWN — Could America's funniest firefighter be one from Freetown?

On May 17, we'll find out if it's a possibility when Freetown Firefighter Mark "Larry Legend" Lawrence takes the stage to perform a stand-up comedy routine, competing against five other firefighters for the title of New England's Funniest Firefighter in the America's Funniest Firefighter regional finals in Boston.

Lawrence, who lives in Rochester with his wife and two children, started his firefighting career as a call/volunteer firefighter in Rochester in 2012 before going full-time in Freetown, where he says there's no shortage of laughs at the fire station.

"We're all kind of humorous in our own way," Lawrence said.

But the comedy bug bit Lawrence earlier in life, having had his first taste of stand-up as a member of Old Rochester Regional High School's class of '06.

"I did a little stand-up routine back in high school for the Mr. ORR pageant," Lawrence said. "I've always liked comedy, so I thought this competition would be fun."

How it will work

To help prepare, each of the contestants have been paired up with a professional comedian mentor. The mentors will assist the firefighters in crafting a five-minute comedy routine, to be judged by a celebrity panel, according to Firefighters vs. Cancer, the non-profit organization putting on the competition.

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After various regions around the U.S. have their regional finals, this first-time competition will have the best of the best face off against one another for the title of America's Funniest Firefighter, date yet-to-be determined, Lawrence said. Aside from moving on to the national competition, the New England winner will take home a $5,000 grand prize.

Getting ready

To prepare for May 17, Lawrence said he's performed at a handful of open mics and taking in the advice offered by his mentor, New England comedian "Tony V" who will also be hosting the New England event.

"The last open mic I did, I had my mentor there to watch and he gave me good feedback," Lawrence said. "They don't give us material but they help us polish up some things, give us some critiques and things like that."

At the New England event, Lawrence's competition will be: Robert “Bobby” Reardon (Yarmouth), Jonathan Williams (Leominster), Tim Sevigney (Biddeford, ME), Craig “Rock” Nicholas (Malden), and Chance Seymour (Springfield).

What's it for?

While fighting cancer is a worthy cause in any context, firefighters have a unique connection given the known hazards of occupational cancers that can develop on the job.

"Thankfully I haven't had any issues ... but the statistics are pretty grim," Lawrence said. "So anything we can do to help bring awareness, get early detection and all that stuff, we're all for it."

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“About 40% of all firefighters working today will be diagnosed with cancer during their careers,” said retired Boston Fire Lieutenant Mike Foley in a press release from Firefighters vs. Cancer. “Early detection of cancer greatly increases the chances for successful treatment and survival.”

Event info

The New England round is scheduled for Friday, May 17, 7-10 p.m., at Florian Hall, 55 Hallet St., Boston. Tickets are on sale now at www.firefightersvscancer.org.