Rochester firefighter to take center stage in comedy event

According to Rochester firefighter and paramedic Mark Lawrence, having a good sense of humor is “almost a prerequisite” in his field of work.

On Friday, May 17, Lawrence’s sense of humor, which he described as “absurd,” could help him take home a $5,000 prize.

Lawrence will compete against five other New England firefighters in a stand-up comedy competition put on by the International Association of Fire Fighters. All proceeds from the event will go towards Firefighters vs. Cancer, a nonprofit organization that provides free cancer screenings for firefighters.

“It’s for a great cause — It’s proven that the very equipment we wear to protect us in fires is slowly killing us over time,” said Lawrence.

According to former Boston Fire Department Lieutenant Mike Foley, about 40% of all firefighters working today will be diagnosed with cancer during their careers.

“Everyone in the firehouse is funny to an extent. It's a coping mechanism for all the craziness we deal with on a day-to-day basis.”

Along with working in Rochester ambulances per diem, Lawrence works full time as a firefighter and paramedic for the Freetown Fire Department.

Lawrence practiced his routine at an open mic event in South Boston on Wednesday, April 17. It was the first time he took the stage since he competed in “Mr. ORR” when he was a student at Old Rochester Regional High School in 2006.

“My open mic practice session in Boston went great,” said Lawrence. “As I understand it, the crowds in Boston are pretty tough, so the fact that I got some good laughs is making me feel equally confident and hilarious.”

Each firefighter participating in the event is being coached by a professional comedian. Lawrence will receive guidance from Tony V, a Boston-based comedian who has had performances aired on HBO.

“Tony V. has been a great mentor and has given me great feedback and critiques on my open mic performance, which he attended,” said Lawrence. “He likes my material and is absolutely inflating my already enormous ego. I am extremely fortunate to have him as my mentor and I can’t say enough good things about him.”

The competition will be held at Florian Hall in Dorchester. Each of the six firefighters and their coaches will perform.

The winner of the competition will win $5,000 and move on to a second competition featuring the winners of each regional event.