For more than forty years, Wheel of Fortune has followed a familiar rhythm. But this week felt different as three Rhode Island firefighters — Melissa “Missy” Porter, Darrin “Poppa” Gallagher, and Tim Stebenne — took the stage not as strangers, but as longtime friends.
Their easy teasing and genuine support brought warmth to the studio. Producers raised the stakes with the Jackpot round and $1 Million wedge, and each had a moment to shine: Stebenne won a trip to Iceland, Porter finished strong, and Gallagher led the Triple Toss-Up before heading to the Bonus Round with over $20,000.
The final puzzle — “TAK_NG A _ _ _ _ _” — slipped away when “Taking a whiff” was revealed after time ran out, costing Gallagher a $40,000 prize. There was disappointment, but no bitterness.
In the end, viewers remembered not the loss, but the bond. The firefighters didn’t win everything — but they walked away together, reminding everyone that friendship can matter more than any prize.
