Manhattan Chiefs To Test Culinary Skills In Chili Challenge Battle

MANHATTAN, IL — The Village of Manhattan Police Department has put out an all points bulletin on the Manhattan Fire Protection District. The Manhattan FPD has responded with a five-alarm call for all hands on deck. What's got the two public safety agencies on the brink? Chili, of course.

The public is invited to come out to the free event to taste and vote for their favorite, with donations being accepted to benefit two area charities.

The Manhattan PD and Manhattan FPD will go spoon-to-spoon April 24 to settle once and for all who makes the best chili in what's being dubbed "Manhattan Fire vs. Police Chili Challenge." And the good-natured trash talking, like the chili, is already heating up.

“If you can’t stand the heat, become a cop,” said Manhattan FPD Chief Steve Malone.

Manhattan PD Chief Jeff Wold responded to his rival with a question:

"How many firefighters does it take to make a pot of chili?" Wold asked. "Five. One to cook the chili and four hold the ladder."

Teasing and bragging rights aside, the true winners of the competition will be two charities: Special Olympics Illinois, chosen by the Manhattan PD, and Camp I Am Me Illinois, chosen by the Manhattan FPD.

All of the money raised will go toward the charities. As a bonus, the Chili Challenge loser will also make a donation to the winner's charity.

There will also be a public category in which residents can show off their own culinary skills and make their favorite chili, with a $100 gift card up for grabs to the winner. There is no entry fee to participate, though participants must preregister by calling (815) 478-4408.

The Chili Challenge is scheduled to kick off at noon and run until 2 p.m. April 24 at Roadhouse 52, 525 S. State St.