Nassau County firefighters engaged in some fiery competition last week at the Annual Firefighter Cook-Off. The fifth annual event brought the East Meadow, Bethpage and Rockville Centre Fire Departments out to Fairway Market in Westbury to fight for bragging rights and the title of best firehouse chef.
Each team was supplied with a $100 Fairway shopping card and the chefs turned their groceries into signature, grilling delicacies. Each team made ribs, and then could chose between making a chicken or burger dish. They presented their barbeque creations to a panel of judges, which consisted of Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano, Firefighters Museum Board President Angelo Catalano, Westbury Fire Department Chief Doug Ingram, Anton Community Newspapers Publisher Angela Susan Anton, and Fairway Café Executive Chef Vincent Olivieri.
After judging the teams on things such as taste and originality, Rockville Centre and Bethpage tied for first place.
“The first time we competed, we didn’t place. Next time, we placed second and this time we placed first. So I guess practice pays off,” Gregg McClain from Rockville Centre said with a smile. His team’s burgers were made of a combination of brisket and sirloin, with bacon and garlic and topped with truffle cheese.
But the event was about more than just good eats. It also sought to promote fire safety and the Firefighters Museum in Garden City. The interactive museum teaches fire safety and prevention, and visitors can try on gear, sit on fire trucks and learn more about the volunteer fire department.
John Murray, Chief Instructor for Education at the museum, shared some tips on grill safety.
“Make sure your grill is in good order and maintained properly. Hoses should be in good shape, there should be no grease laden cracks and it should be properly cleaned,” Murray said. “After that’s taken care of, all you have to do is have a good time.”
