Slices, slurs mar annual police/fire golf match

PORTSMOUTH — What was to have been a memorable final golf showdown was marred when Police Chief Dennis Seale chickened out.

That is Fire Chief Robert Warner's take on last Wednesday's annual police/fire department golf match at Montaup County Club.

Both chiefs agree on one thing — the police prevailed.

"They kicked us," Chief Warner said. "I'll admit it. But the chief didn't have the nerve to show up. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, and we all know he has plenty of time on his hands. Where was he?"

Fear had nothing to do with it, Chief Seale said. His absence was a gesture of compassion toward the soon-to-retire fire chief, mercy shown to a "beaten man."

"I didn't want to kick a man who is on the way out. I didn't want to resurrect bad memories of all those years of bitter defeat."

In fact, "When I told him I wouldn't be playing, I could see it was as if a weight had lifted off his back. I'm trained to observe," Chief Seale said. "Even though he didn't actually thank me verbally, I could see the look of gratitude from his eyes, like a puppy dog I once rescued from a sinking boat."

"Print this," Chief Warner said. "The retiring fire chief, who is a senior citizen, is hereby challenging the younger police chief to a nine-hole match at the course of his choice, mano-on-mano," with the police/fire trophy on the line. "There is no doubt in my mind that he won't show up ... He likes to talk the talk but he'll never walk the walk."

The police team included Lance Hebert, John Ventura, Duke Pasyanos, Bruce Roberts, Brett Bucholz, Alberto Bucci and Garrett Coyne.

The fire team (which, unlike the police, says Chief Warner, is chosen from people hired for their fire and rescue abilities, not their golf scores), included Chief Warner, Al Adams, Bill Bigelow, Ken Stone and the chief's son, Rob.

As for the Town Hall team, "There are times when it is best to say nothing," Chief Seale said.

By Bruce Burdett

bburdett@eastbaynewspapers.com

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