The Tri-State Shields Announce Their Presence in the National Public Safety Football League

Warren Rosenberg and Clark Thompson October 21, 2020

Representing the NPSFL in the New York Metro area are the NYPD’s New York’s Finest, the NYC Department of Correction’s New York’s Boldest, the FDNY’s New York’s Bravest, and the Tri-State Shields. Chartered as a “a team comprised of Police, Fire, Corrections, Courts, Federal Agents, Military and E.M.S. personnel, the team’s members represent the NYPD, Clarkstown P.D., New Rochelle P.D., Darien P.D., Bridgeport P.D., Westport P.D., Suffolk P.D., Connecticut Dept. of Correction, NYC and New York State Departments of Correction, NYC Hospital Police, NYC Homeless Police, Federal Police, the FDNY, Norwalk Fire Department and the NYC Dept. of Sanitation.

On Saturday October 17th, the Tri-State Shields took on the powerhouse team of the New York City Department of Correction, New York’s Boldest, in their first outing against a NPSFL home-town rival. Saturday’s game, alternatively billed as the “HAUNTOBER Bowl” and the “First Responders Birthday Matchup” featured a children’s Halloween costume contest and trick-or-treat candy giveaway. The NYCD’s Boldest celebrated their 20th birthday as a team by taking on the Shields in their inaugural year. The game opened with the National Anthem and a salute by the New Rochelle Police Department Honor Guard in full dress uniform. The Shields were the first to score early in the 1st Quarter but were not successful in the point after conversion attempt and carried a 6-0 lead into the 2nd Quarter. It didn’t take long for the Boldest to even the score running the ball in for a TD early in Quarter and, like the Shields before them, were unable to put any additional points after on the board. Late in the second quarter the Shields scored again and took a 12-6 lead into the half-time break.

The Shields added to their lead with 3rd Quarter TD and two-point conversion expanding their lead to 20-6. They did not score again but the Boldest did with their own 4th Quarter TD and two-point conversion. This hard-fought contest concluded with the Shields victorious over the Boldest, 20-14.

While out on patrol, the Westchester County Police aviation unit flew by in a helicopter fly-over salute to their first-responder brethren. This highly specialized unit comprises two helicopters and four police officer pilots who protect Westchester from their unique perch in the skies over the County. The Aviation Unit provides assistance to all emergency service entities (police, fire, EMS, and emergency management) in Westchester County as well as other county agencies. When requested, the unit provides assistance to state and federal agencies and on occasion to jurisdictions outside Westchester County.

Half-time also provided a chance for local youth to participate in some fun and safe Halloween trick-or-treating and a costume contest with treats provided by Entenmann’s bakery and other local merchants. The mid-field costume parade allowed children a safe and fun way to celebrate Halloween and was enjoyed by all.

After the game, the Shields team captain, Ivan Monge, told MetroSports Magazine, “This was a huge game for us. NYC BOLDEST is the first New York team that we played that is part of the NPSFL. We thank the NYC BOLDEST for putting together this HAUNTOBER game with us. The kids had fun, a lot of COOL costumes, a lot of candy for the kids to enjoy and hopefully we can do this again. As far the game - there was a lot of great hitting from both teams, everyone played well and everyone got home safe. The TRI-STATE SHIELDS, will definitely be on the map in the NPSFL. LET’S GO SHIELDS!!!”

Chris Chamberlin, president of the NY Boldest commented after the game that, “This is the first NPSFL game since Covid. I’ve been posting for the last 3 months that, on October 17th, we were going to take football back – and together we did that – both teams. I know the league Board is going to be calling me tonight or tomorrow, asking me my opinion on the Shields - are they worthy of voting into the league as a full team – and I say absolutely.” He added the following in a social media post, “Not the outcome we wanted but definitely motivation we accept. Huge shout out to Shawn Wandel and the @tri_state_shields for an exciting game! The Tri-State Shields are a class act organization and will be an asset to the National Public Safety Football League. Not only have they put a good product on the field, but they represent the core values of what an NPSFL team are off the field. Special thanks and appreciation to the Shields for taking proceeds from your gate and donating towards a fundraiser for one of our players in need during a tough time. Lastly, thank you to all who came out to support for our 20th Football Season. COVID-19 may have put a damper on our 2020 season, but on 10-17-2020, Boldest Football along with the Tri-State Shields, and all who attended, took football back from COVID-19.”

The teams and professionals who play in the NPSFL care about more than just football. The teams support numerous charities across the country with the four New York teams helping raise funds for the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Cohen Children’s Medical Center, Ronald McDonald House, Wounded Warrior Project and the Widow’s and Children’s Funds of the various services, among others. And there are many organizations that provide support to the teams. Notable among the supporters of the Tri-State Shields are the law firm of Kreindler & Kreindler who represent 9/11 first responders, and New Jersey recording artist Jon Bon Jovi. As a long-time supporter of first responders, Bon Jovi donated a signed guitar as a fund-raising auction item for the Shields earlier this year. Perhaps his song, Superman Tonight, co-written with Richie Sambora and Billy Falcon, summarizes this long-standing affection.

There's something about you I wanna rescue I don't even know you So what does that mean

You're looking for a hero, but it's just my old tattoo Tonight I swear I'd sell my soul to be a hero for you

Support for the Shields games is provided by numerous local businesses and individuals including Reign Total Body Fuel, County Beer and Soda, and Entenmann’s Bakery among others. The full list of Shield’s supporters can be seen at: https://www.shieldsfootball.org/sponsors