'The Cops' Survive Another Week on ABC's 'Expedition Impossible'

The following is a recap of Thursday night's Expedition Impossible, which aired on ABC. The team known as "The Cops" is comprised of Lieutenant Robert Robillard, 43, of Concord; Sergeant James Vaglica, 49, of Billerica; and Danielle Henderson, 34, of Marlborough.

"The Cops" finished a bit stronger three weeks in to the contest, crossing the finish line in 8th place beating out "Team Kansas," "The Fishermen" and the last place team "Grandpa's Warriors."

Beginning the night, "The Cops," a team comprised of three Waltham Police Officers: Robert Robillard of Concord, Danielle Henderson of Marlborough and James Vaglica of Billerica continued their journey towards winning $150,000 and three Ford Expeditions after barely escaping elimination in week two.

Starting out at a staggered start line five minutes behind the leading team, "The Gypsies," "The Cops" gained some ground on the competition in the first phase of the challenge by bucking a trend. The 30-plus remaining competitors were sent out on camels for this 3.8 mile leg, but the Waltham PD officers opted to run in front of their pack animals taking the animals' temperament out of the equation.

"We are a strong team and we can pass a lot of these other teams," said Vaglica. "Today we are going to show them."

"Team Kansas" suffered a setback during this time period when a camel bucked a rider and injured the youngest sister's ankle.

The next checkpoint left the officers laughing nervously, as they had to assemble a raft made of pallets and empty olive oil barrels then cross a body of water. While a couple of teams ran into trouble on this exercise, "The Cops" made it across without incident. 

The first day ended at an overnight camp with the Country Boys finishing the initial leg in first place. 

Day two began with a warning from host Dave Salmoni saying the last place team would be eliminated. 

The teams were greeted with strong winds and a sandstorm to begin their journey. 

"An ominous sand cloud encompassed the teams as we trekked forward," said Robillard. 

Finishing the next few checkpoints in the middle of the pack, "The Cops" decided to take the road less traveled when they hiked a treacherous, but shorter, mountain pass while almost all the other teams took a flat riverside route. 

This was the last we saw of the Mass cops until the finish-line which they passed in 8th place securing a spot in the hunt for at least one more week. 

As "Grandpa's Warriors" were flown from the site, and headed home, a member of "The Fishermen" reflected on the spectacle.

"Whenever you see that chopper come it is always sad," said Joe Sanfilippo. "You are always thinking it could be coming for you, but we are not ready for that ride."

Check back with Patch at this same time next week for the latest update in Expedition Impossible.

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