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Philadelphia Fire Department Crowned Champs Of 'Battle Of The Badges'

By Paul Kurtz

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The 25th annual weight loss competition known as the "Battle of the Badges" goes to the Philadelphia Fire Department.

The judges won't say specifically how much poundage was lost last year, but Weight Watchers Executive Vice President John Birnhak says the firefighters dropped more than their law enforcement colleagues to take an overall lead of 13-12.

"The competition is 13 weeks. The average weight loss for the departments are tallied. And the single average is compared between the departments," Birnhak explained.

The biggest loser was Fire Lt. Edward Manko. A last minute court case prevented him Manko from appearing at the event; so he'll have to wait to pick up the microwave oven he won for dropping that extra bulk. Manko intends to donate the oven to his unit -- the Fire Marshal's office.

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