Officers, firefighters battle for burger supremacy at annual event

June 19, 2014 at 12:02a.m.

BOARDMAN

Eight safety-force members took part in a relay race that didn’t require them to get up.

Instead, the event was won by what they kept down — and how fast they did so.

“We wanted to thank everybody for what they do for our community,” said Brian Moore, general manager of Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill, 6651 South Ave., which was the site of Wednesday’s Burger Battle 2014 contest.

The event, in its fourth year, featured four contestants each from the Boardman fire and police departments who competed in the fundraising event to raise money for their respective charities.

The police department represented Special Olympics of the Mahoning Valley, and the firefighters competed on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

One officer and one firefighter at a time ate a burger as quickly as possible. Taking part in the friendly competition were Chris Pater, Bobby Patrick, Will Ferrando and John Berardi of the fire department; Chris Costas, Phil Merlo, Matt Sell and John Gocala represented the police department, which came in first place with a time of 14:12.

The burger-eating event was one of many such contests that took place Wednesday in which nearly all of the nation’s 65 Smokey Bones restaurants took part, Moore noted, adding that teams across the country selected the charities they wanted to help.

Both local teams’ finish times were to be sent to Smokey Bones’ corporate offices in Orlando, Fla. The top three teams nationwide will win $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000 to go toward their charities, Moore explained, adding that attendees also are welcome to make donations through July 6.

The police and fire departments each were given 200 fliers, many of which family and friends used during the contest, noted Jason Kather, a manager. Ten percent of the food bills of those with the coupons went to MDA and Special Olympics, he said.

Before the contest, many people enjoyed a tailgate pre-party at the eatery.