Manhattan Police, Fire To Face Off In Chili Cook-Off

MANHATTAN, IL — Manhattan police and fire are ready to lay it all on the line again, in the third annual chili cook-off.

Looking for a three-peat is Manhattan Fire Protection District Chief Steve Malone, going up against Manhattan Police Chief Jeff Wold. Set for Sunday, Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gallagher's Pub, 160 E North St., the chili cook-off will raise funds for the departments' respective causes: Illinois Special Olympics and Project Fire Buddies, a volunteer-led effort by local fire departments to show support for children battling critical illness.

In addition to the departments squaring off by the spoonful, there's a category for overall entries, to be judged by public tasting and vote. A $100 prize is offered for the winner of overall entries, and police and fire entries are not eligible for the cash, Wold said.

It's free to enter, and free to taste—everybody is welcome to try each chili on the tables. To keep things fair, Will County Judges Victoria Breslan and Art Smigielski will be the official judges. Contestants are encouraged to decorate their tables, Wold said.

Anyone interested in participating can still call (815)478-4408.

Both departments will also be selling T-shirts for their respective causes, at $20 each. Shirts can be purchased at either department in advance, Wold said.

Other winners last year included Laura Adrieansen, Lucy Neighbors, Kristen Reinke, and Randy from Gallagher's Pub.

Despite perhaps being the perceived underdog, Police Chief Wold stated he would not engage in any trash talk. He stated Fire Chief Malone "has the market cornered on hearsay, libel and slanderous chili comments."

Malone warned anyone planning to sample Wold's chili.

"Chief Wold's chili consists of roadkill so be careful," Malone said. "Paramedics will be on standby."