JERSEY CITY, New Jersey (October 16, 2026) – For the men and women who serve on the front lines of New York City’s fire and police departments, the bonds formed through service extend far beyond the job.
On Wednesday, October 14, Liberty National Foundation brought members of the FDNY Bravest Golf Club and NYPD Golf team together at Liberty National Golf Club for the second annual Pontecorvo Cup. The event celebrates the longstanding bond between New York City’s firefighters and police officers, providing an opportunity to step away from the demands of their work, enjoy friendly competition and connect through the game of golf.
Created to honor retired FDNY Lieutenant Daniel Pontecorvo Sr. and the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting others, the event reflects the Foundation’s broader commitment to supporting First Responders and the communities they serve.
Eight golfers from each department competed at Liberty National, with the six lowest scores counting toward the team total. NYPD claimed its second consecutive Pontecorvo Cup victory, led by Brian McGovern’s 69, the low round of the day. The 16 players qualified through competitions involving FDNY and NYPD members.
With support from Liberty National Foundation, the event was organized by Jim Halpin, a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors and Torch Lighters Club, and Dan Pontecorvo, son of Daniel Pontecorvo Sr. Together, they helped establish the competition to honor his father’s service while bringing members of the FDNY and NYPD together.
“Our First Responders dedicate their careers to taking care of others, and we believe it’s just as important to create opportunities for them to take care of themselves and one another,” said Halpin. “The Pontecorvo Cup is about much more than golf. It’s about bringing these heroes together, giving them a chance to decompress and strengthen the friendships and bonds that carry them through the challenges of their work. We’re proud to make this experience possible, honor Dan Pontecorvo Sr.’s incredible legacy of service, and recognize everything these men and women do for our communities.”
The competition began with a presentation of the colors and was played against Liberty National’s Jersey City waterfront setting, with views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. With this year marking 25 years since September 11, the setting carried added significance for an event bringing together members of the FDNY and NYPD.
For Daniel Pontecorvo Sr., whose career in public service has spanned decades, the competition carries special meaning. During his 23 years with the FDNY, he served with HazMat 1 and the department’s Research and Development Unit. After leaving the FDNY, he spent 16 years with Con Edison as an environmental responder. Following the attacks of September 11, Pontecorvo worked in the area for Con Edison and volunteered with the Fire Department at Ground Zero during his off shifts.
While serving in FDNY Research and Development, Pontecorvo also helped develop the Personal Alert Safety System, or PASS, a device that emits an audible alarm when a firefighter stops moving. The technology has since evolved into a standard safety feature integrated into firefighters’ breathing apparatus.
After retiring, Pontecorvo volunteered for several years as a docent at the 9/11 Tribute Center, leading visitors from around the world through the World Trade Center site and sharing his experiences as a responder.
For both departments, golf provides more than an opportunity for friendly competition. The NYPD Golf team was established in 2020 through the department’s Health & Wellness Unit to support the mental and emotional well-being of its members. Created during a particularly challenging period for the department, the team offers an outlet to relieve stress, build relationships and support one another on and off the course. Similarly, the FDNY Bravest Golf Club brings firefighters together through competitive golf while emphasizing teamwork, sportsmanship and mutual respect.
For FDNY Lieutenants Chris Mascali and Trevor Lawrence, co-captains of the FDNY Bravest Golf Team events like the Pontecorvo Cup provide an opportunity for firefighters to strengthen relationships that extend well beyond their time in the firehouse.
“There’s a bond among firefighters that stays with you long after you leave the firehouse, and golf gives us a great way to maintain those relationships,” said Mascali. “The Pontecorvo Cup is special because it brings firefighters and police officers together, not just to compete, but to spend time with people who understand the challenges of the job and look out for one another. We’re grateful to Liberty National Foundation and its Torch Lighters Club for recognizing the importance of these opportunities and bringing us together for a day that means so much more than golf.”
NYPD Sergeant James Hall, who oversees NYPD sports for the Deputy Commissioner of Employee Relations and represented the department at the event, said the friendly rivalry is part of what makes the competition special.
“It’s fun to compete together, but at the end of the day, we’re all brothers and sisters,” Hall said. “Whoever wins gets a year to brag. It’s a great thing.”
Hall also emphasized the importance of bringing younger members of both departments together during the 25th anniversary year of 9/11.
“We’re continuing that ‘never forget’ tradition because that’s what we have to do,” Hall said. “It helps us make sure that the next generation doesn’t forget.”
Dan Pontecorvo Jr. said sports provide another way for firefighters and police officers to build the same trust and teamwork that define their daily work.
“To come out here and do it in a way that’s fun but still competitive is great,” Pontecorvo said. “It’s great at building that trust in one another and being able to know that you have your partner’s back.”
For the elder Pontecorvo, seeing the event bring together two departments that have played such an important role in his life, with his son helping lead the effort, has been especially meaningful.
“It’s a great feeling of having that second family,” Pontecorvo said. “And to have my son play such an important role in bringing this together makes it even more special.”
2026 Pontecorvo Cup Teams
NYPD Golf
- Justin D’Amico
- Brandon Hannon
- Bobby Houston
- Vinny Johnson
- Kijun Kim
- Mike McCarthy
- Brian McGovern
- Mike Valenti
FDNY Bravest Golf Club
- Rob Anderson
- Matt Cappola
- Tommy Lane
- Anthony Mauro
- Sean Modaferri
- Dan Smith
- Kyle Strehle
- Mike White
Established in 2024 by Liberty National Golf Club co-founders Paul and Dan Fireman, alongside a group of like-minded club members, the Liberty National Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity committed to supporting youth, Veterans, First Responders, and community initiatives.
Rooted in Liberty National’s longstanding commitment to philanthropy, the Foundation supports charitable organizations and programs that expand opportunity, improve lives, and strengthen communities on and off the course. At the heart of the Foundation is the Torch Lighters Club, a group of philanthropic leaders helping to advance the Foundation's mission and "shine the light" on organizations making a meaningful difference in the communities they serve. For more information visit libertynationalfoundation.org or connect on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Joel Schuchmann, DKC Sports
joelschuchmann@scg-sports.com