Firefighter Chili Cook-Off

The Retired Firefighters of Palm Beach County will be hosting their Firefighter Chili Cook Off on Saturday, February 5^th at Abacoa Amphitheater. Decorated chili booths will represent firefighters from local departments, restaurants, and organizations. It is the responsibility of the Celebrity judges to finally determine the “best” chili and “theme” booths. This is the perfect secure venue to gather the family for cold drinks, hot chili, and live music to support all our community partners.

The Retired Firefighters of Palm Beach County are a combination of Firefighters from local fire departments that have combined to maintain the brotherhood by supporting the health and welfare of local Firefighters as well as the community we fought so hard to protect. They are a charitable 501c3 organization that aid fire-related agencies while continuing to support our community. Chili tasting armbands are $20 for adults and $10 for children over 12. A vendor onsite will sell beer, wine, and water. This year the Firefighter Chili Cook Off event will benefit two organizations: Firefighters on a Mission and Firefighters to the Rescue.

Firefighters on a Mission has partnered with a variety of organizations that specifically focus on finding a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Money raised will be distributed to these organizations, while some is reserved to provide firefighters assistance in the purchase of medical needs and equipment for their child with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This charity was started in 2015 when Palm Beach County Firefighter, Tim Petz and his wife found out their son Logan (3 years old at the time) had been diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. A family who built a life around helping others, is now fighting to save their own son! Over the years, The Petz family has taken an active role raising awareness. During that time, they quickly learned they were not alone, meeting families and fellow Firefighters from across the Country dealing with the same devastating diagnosis. As a result, Firefighters on a Mission (FOAM) was established to help those on their journey towards a cure.

Firefighters to the Rescue Firefighter's to the Rescue was founded on the profound need to help other public servants and their families in the community. They raise money to help families of Firefighters, Law Enforcement, EMS providers, and others during times of need. A recent recipient of their generosity is Palm Beach Gardens Fire-Rescue Captain Brian Wolnewitz, age 43, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. Having never been a smoker, Doctors agree that Brian’s Cancer very likely originated while on the job serving the citizens of Palm Beach Gardens as he has done for the past 20 years.  Money raised has helped toward his medical bills to stay in the fight for his wife Julie are proud parents of four children.

To date, the Retired Firefighters of Palm Beach County have been able to donate over $40,000 to agencies such as Hospice, War on Cancer Street Party, Firefighters with Cancer, and the PBC Drowning Prevention.  We are proud to support firefighters and the community.