Dearborn Police Chief Defends Cook-off Title For Local Kids

DEABRORN, MI — Metro Detroit Chiefs of police, fire, and other public safety agencies will don chef aprons and hats this month in support of Detroit’s youth at the Max Fisher Music Theater in Detroit and Dearborn's Police Chief Ronald Haddad is taking part.

In fact, he's the main competition.

Chiefs Cooking For Kids brings together a wide range of law enforcement and fire officials’ favorite recipes in a community‐wide effort to raise money for The Youth Connection, a non‐profit 501(c)3 agency that connects youth to a brighter future. The Chief whose dish raises the most money through sponsorships will be crowned the winner and receive the title of Metropolitan Detroit’s “Chief Chef.”

All Chiefs are trying hard to topple Haddad who has won Chief Chef three years in a row.

According to Haddad, the chiefs really step up the competition during the event.

"If you think this is not a contact sport, you better think again," Haddad told Patch. "This is no place for the weak of heart."

Organizers say close on Haddad's heels is Wayne State University Chief Anthony Holt.

But Haddad has his mother's chili recipe he's been making for over 15 years now.

"In order to serve chili at a five star restaurant I use the best ingredients: Beef tenderloin, extra light virgin olive oil and fresh, sweet corn off the cob," Haddad said. " They will love it from the Texas panhandle to the Motor City."

Awards will also be given out for Best Appetizer, Best Entrée, Best Dessert, and the Chef of Blue Star Catering will also pick a “Chef’s Choice” award winner whose dish will be featured on the catering menu for the next year.

Chief Holt has walked away with either best entrée or best appetizer every year he has participated.

The Board of Directors of The Youth Connection is hosting the event, featuring an evening of fine food, fabulous shopping, and music. A silent auction to benefit The Youth Connection will be held during the event with a wide variety of items for sale.

Chiefs Cooking for Kids Recipes for 2019:

• Chief Ron Haddad Haddad Winning Chili
• Captain David Daniels Stuffed Mushrooms
• Chief Anthony Holt BBQ Meatballs
• Chief Paul Myszenski Oreo Truffles
• Chief Barret Jones Wedge Salad
• Battalion Chief Rob DeVries Irish Coffee
• Chief Dave Heavener Chicken Buffalo Wing Dip
• Chief Curtis Caid Bacon Pasta Toss
• Chief Danny Hagen Jambalaya
• Chief Anne Moise Enchiladas
• Chief Jason Olszewski Jalapeno Poppers
• Co. Joseph Gasper Pico De Gallo
• Chief Elvin Barren Reece’s Pie
• Chief O’Such Trifle Cakes

Haddad said that despite the stiff competition, the chiefs are coming together for a common cause.

"It is important for citizens to know us and for us to meet them in areas that police work will not typically take you," he said. "We are all in this together."

The cook-off takes place 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct.10.

Contributions can be made online or by voting tickets at the event. Tickets are $75 each, and Chief sponsorships can be purchased by visiting www.theyouthconnection.org or www.bit.ly/2019CC4K, or by calling Joi Mitchell at (313) 826-7099. Checks can also be dropped off prior to noon on Thursday, Oct. 10, at the respective chiefs’ headquarters.