On June 30, Nassau County’s bravest fired up the grill to cook their most delectable burgers in the “Best Firehouse Burger Cook-Off” at the Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center in Garden City. The grilling throw down was the 2nd annual firefighter cook-off at the museum, with this year’s competition being sponsored by Stop & Shop supermarkets. Equipped with grills, spatulas, utensils and more, while wearing Stop & Shop chef hats and oven mitts and fire department T-shirts, volunteer firefighters put their cooking skills to the test by not only preparing their signature fire department burger, but by making their most flavorful vegetable side dish.
Firefighters from the Bethpage, Mineola, Syosset, and Wantagh Fire Departments participated in the competition, while contest judges included Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, Anton Community Newspapers and Boulevard Magazine Publisher Angela Anton, Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center Board President, Angelo Catalano, and Stop & Shop District Manager Bob Hempson. Wantagh took home first prize with the “6th Battalion Fat Guy Burger,” while Syosset’s “BBQ – Gonzola Burger” placed second while Mineola’s “Bully Burger” and Bethpage’s “Charlie Tuna Burger” came in third.
“We are honored and grateful for Stop & Shop’s involvement in this year’s exciting firefighter competition,” said Angelo Catalano, Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center board president. “This was a great hometown event that brought some very talented firefighting chefs, our museum and Stop & Shop together. The firefighters did a fantastic job at the grill, and we all enjoyed some of the best burgers on Long Island. It was also a good opportunity to remind the public about the importance of barbecue safety. Remember the basics when grilling – keep kids away from the area, don’t wear loose clothing, and use long-handed cooking tools.”
