Heights firefighters continue charity chili cook-off tradition

 

By SUE SUCHYTA

Times-Herald Newspapers

HEIGHTS – Dearborn Heights firefighters held their 32nd annual charity chili cook-off Sept.7 in Parkland Park, with live music, family fun for all ages and multiple types of mouthwatering chili to taste. 

City Councilmember Hassan Saab said it is “one of the best events in the city.”

“It’s always good to support good causes, especially our firefighters,” he said. 

City Councilmember Hassan Ahmad said the chili he had sampled was “amazing.”

“I’d love to try every one of them,” he said. “I’m here to support, and it’s a beautiful event.”

Battalion Chief and union president Phil Hall said the proceeds benefit the Great Lakes Burn Camp and some of the other charities the DHFD supports. 

He said there were 14 different chili entries, and the judges select the top three entries. There is also a people’s choice award based on the ratings of 10 chosen attendee judges.

Hall thanked the Crestwood High School Honor Society students who were helping in the children’s area, as well as the business sponsors who help make the event possible. 

“One of the things that always touches me is how much the community supports the firefighters’ union,” he said. “We try to be a part of the community, and the community has just embraced us and by seeing the show of support that we get from folks from all different parts of our community it’s just amazing to me and I think this is one of the most giving communities, and when it comes to charitable events and charitable donations, this community goes above and beyond.” 

Veteran chili cook Jeff Recker said the cook-off is a great family event and it’s for a great cause.

“There’s no animosity, everybody gets along and there’s no craziness,” he said. “It’s always just a beautiful, fun day.”

Recker said his chili recipe comes from a Mexican cookbook, and he’s made it every year for the chili cook-off. 

“We use all kinds of different hot peppers,” he said. “I think that’s the advantage – we don’t just use jalapenos.” 

Recker said he welcomed the cool weather. 

“Usually, it’s 90 degrees and sunny and we’re all trying to figure out how to get away from the burner,” he said. “So, this year we’re trying to hover around the burner to stay warm.”

Chili cooks Leland Garno, 12, and his father, Ben Garno, teamed up to create their entry.

Leland Garno said he’s good at the food preparation, but if he was on his own, he’s afraid he’d let the chili burn.

Ben Garno said their beef is their best ingredient, because it comes from cattle they raise themselves “with love” in the Birch Run area. 

“There’s a whole lot of community support here,” Ben Garno said.