On Sunday, October 26, 2019 at 1100 hours the Southern Manatee Fire Rescue District participated in Morton’s Market Annual Chili Cook-off. Fifteen (15) Teams of Firefighters from Sarasota County, Charlotte County, Lee County and Manatee County competed against each other in the annual Chili Cook-Off.
This event opened to the public at 1400 hours and it was non-stop in serving chili up until the event stopped serving chili at 1700 hours. At 1730 hours they announced the winners and Southern Manatee Fire Rescue District won the “People’s Choice” Award and also won the “1st Place” Award. Sarasota County Fire Station #17 won 2nd Place and 3rd Place went to Sarasota County Fire Station #5. Best Booth Award went to Sarasota County Fire Department Station #12 “The Frat House”.
Southern Manatee Fire Rescue District employees under the leadership of FF/EMT Chuck Moonen and his famous “Fire House Chili” worked non-stop in serving his famous chili to the public and once again his chili was voted #1 by the public and the panel of judges. CONGRATULATIONS Chuck!
Southern Manatee Fire Rescue District has won the “1st Place Award” three (3) times and the “People’s Choice Award” four (4) times. Since the District won “1st Place”, Sony’s BBQ will cater a BBQ dinner for 100 people. The District plans on utilizing this for their annual Christmas Party.