Pizza Devoured, Southington Has A 'Battle Of The Badges' Winner

SOUTHINGTON, CT — No, there was no "Officer Chestnut" on the Southington Police Department's team as it battled the Southington Fire Department in the town's first pizza-eating contest Saturday.

That's because they didn't need to hire a national eating hero to be a ringer. All they needed were four hungry cops.

When it was all over on May 24, SPD officers Brian DiCristoforo, Justin Waltzer, Matthew O’Connor, and Michael Connolly devoured a 30-inch pie faster than a team from the SFD.

For some reason, this fearsome foursome of famished law enforcers needed two coaches to guide them to the trophy.

So, SPD Officer William Thomson and Lt. Matthew Hammell get the credit for spurring the quartet to a culinary victory.

The event was hosted by Nonna's Pizza at 131 Center St., Southington.

Judging by the success of the inaugural "Battle of the Badges," this could become a much-anticipated Southington tradition.

The winning team received a big trophy, a free pizza party for the department, and much-desired bragging rights.

But if you're worried the SPD and the SFD will be unable to work together after Saturday's pizza war, don't fret.

Both sides took the competition in stride, and there will be no trash-talking at future fires/accident scenes.

"We would like to thank Nonnas Pizza and all of our community partners for a wonderful event," wrote the SPD after the event.

The SFD, meanwhile, was humble in defeat.

"Congratulations to the Southington Police Department on their win! Valiant effort by Team SFD," wrote Southington's Bravest to Southington's Finest.

From May 19: 'Southington 'Battle Of The Badges' To Feature Pizza War'