Chili, fishing, firefighters on display
Boynton Beach’s firefighters help drivers injured in crashes, families whose houses disappear in a cloud of smoke and flames and victims of violent crimes. It turns out they’re good at a few other things, too: chili and fishing.
Their skills and creativity were on display this past Saturday at the 13th Boynton Beach Firefighter Benevolent Fishing Tournament and Firehouse Chili Cook-off at Harvey Oyer Park. The fishing and chili teams from all over South Florida competed for more than $10,000 in cash and prizes.
The money raised through the tournament is split between the Boynton Beach Kiwanis Club and the benevolent association, which uses it to pay for events like this. Last year the tournament raised about $8,000 for the Kiwanis Club, said Mike Landress, fire rescue’s assistant chief of EMS. Landress estimates about 400 to 500 attendees at the event. “We did extremely well,” Landress said. “It was a very good year for us. It was a successful event.”
I had a front-row seat as one of the seven judges for the chili contest and agree with Landress. Bravo to the planners.
Let’s talk chili first.
There were 18 teams and, yes, the judges tasted each one. Nearly all of them
(I’m sorry) were delicious. Bethesda Memorial Hospital came in first (again!) and received $500, the SWAT team came in second and received $300 and Kevin Quinn came in third and took home $200. Delray Beach
Fire Rescue won the People’s Choice award. Now, for the fishing.
While there were many teams worthy of mention, the most deserving is the Life of Riley group. The five firefighters and paramedics from Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department caught a 61.4pound wahoo, earning them first place for that category. They won $1,500.
The winners plan to give the money to the family of a retired firefighter who was in a motorcycle accident just days before the tournament and is on life support.
To all the first responders, thank you for your service. And to the planners, thank you for having me.