'Friendly, But Fierce Battle:' East Haven V. Branford Firefighters' Pie Wars Benefits Community Dining Room

EAST HAVEN-BRANFORD, CT — It's a pieing, to be sure. But also a way for two fire chiefs to throw a couple of digs at each other.

Followed by a pie to the face, they're each hoping.

"Things are heating up in the kitchen," East Haven Fire Chief Matt Marcarelli told Patch. "The East Haven Fire Department is ready to whip Branford in this year’s Pie Wars! By the looks of Chief Mahoney’s midsection, he hasn’t skipped too many desserts, so let’s make sure East Haven gives him another slice of pie."

Branford Fire Chief Tom Mahoney kept it short and sweet.

"We all know how Chief Marcarelli likes his pie. It’s going to be my honor to present it to his face."

Ooooohhhhh! He went there!

It’s Branford vs. East Haven Fire Departments in a friendly, but fierce, battle for a great cause. In honor of Giving Tuesday, East Haven and Branford's bravest are competing to raise funds for The Community Dining Room — and the stakes are deliciously high.

The Community Dining Room took to Facebook to share the details.

"Giving Tuesday is a worldwide movement that inspires people to give back and build stronger communities. At The Community Dining Room, we’re marking the occasion with the return of Pie Wars — our friendly fundraising competition that’s become a local favorite!

Both departments are stepping up to see who can raise the most for our mission — providing meals, resources, and community support to neighbors in need.

Every donation fuels that mission and keeps our community strong. Let’s see which town takes the win."

The winning department gets to pie the opposing Chief in the face on Monday, Dec. 2. To date, East Haven has raised $25. Branford is closing in on $500.

Donate to Team Branford here. Donate to Team East Haven here.

Or, scan QR codes on images below.