May 17, 2004 -- The NYPD's football team has regained Big Apple bragging rights after besting the city firefighters' team 16-3 in their annual matchup. More than 7,000 people turned out Saturday to watch the 32nd Fun City Bowl between the Finest and the Bravest at Michie Stadium at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point.
The FDNY won last year, when its team snapped a nine-game losing streak against the police. This year's game, sponsored by The Post, raised money for the Fallen Patriot Fund, which benefits widows and kids of killed American servicemen.
The NYPD team awarded game balls to punter Detective Patrick Donohue and place kicker Police Officer Tony Balcan. Detective Keith Irving of the defense was named the game's MVP. The smoke-eaters drew first blood in the contest with a field goal, but two field goals by Balcan and a safety by Officer Larry Dunn put the Finest ahead.
A touchdown by Detective Ronnie Wilkerson - and then a two-point conversion by wide receiver Joey Gordon and QB Officer Randy Litrell - late in the game sealed the NYPD victory.
