Paragus IT Firehouse Cookoff Returns to Polar Park to Benefit Local Charities
Worcester Firefighters Trade Fire Gear for Chef Aprons at Polar Park
“We’re limited to 300 tickets,” Franco explained. “That’s all we can sell because these guys are making a certain amount of food.”
By-Hank Stolz
Graphic – submitted
WORCESTER, MA-
Firefighters are known for cooking great meals at the station, and on August 18, they’ll put those culinary skills on display for the community during the fifth annual Paragus IT Firehouse Cookoff at Polar Park.
Lieutenant John Franco joined Hank Stolz on Radio Worcester to preview one of Worcester’s most unique fundraising events, where eight firefighter teams prepare signature dishes for 300 lucky guests.
“We’re limited to 300 tickets,” Franco explained. “That’s all we can sell because these guys are making a certain amount of food.”
Unlike a traditional chili cookoff, every team creates its own specialty.
“It’s basically different meals,” Franco said. “All the teams make whatever they want to make. Usually some of the signature meals these guys make all the time in the stations.”
Past menus have featured everything from Baja fish tacos and French dip sandwiches to an award-winning flourless chocolate torte with raspberry reduction that surprised everyone by taking top honors.
Captain Tim Foley, a previous winner, says attendees shouldn’t expect ordinary cookout fare.
“Don’t come expecting a bowl of chili or a hot dog or hamburger, that’s for sure. There have been a lot of great meals over the years.”
In addition to sampling every team’s creation, guests will enjoy live entertainment, including performances by the Worcester Fire Brigade Pipes and Drums, while judges and attendees vote for both professional awards and the coveted People’s Choice Award.
Beyond the friendly competition, the evening has a serious purpose.
“A hundred percent of the donations go back to charities,” Franco said. “That’s what it’s all about really.”
Last year’s event raised $300,000, benefiting Detect Together, the Worcester Firefighter 6K Road Race, and numerous local organizations including the Genesis Club, NEADS World Class Service Dogs, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the Hundred Club of Worcester.
The event begins at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, at Polar Park.
Tickets are limited to 300 attendees and are available at firehousecookoff.com.
Why Are Firefighters Such Good Cooks?
Firehouse cooking has long been part of the culture of the American fire service.
Because firefighters often work 24-hour shifts, they prepare and share meals together between emergency calls. Cooking becomes more than just a necessity—it builds teamwork, camaraderie, and morale.
Many stations develop signature recipes over decades, with firefighters becoming known for specialties ranging from barbecue and seafood to homemade pasta and desserts. Friendly competition between firehouses is common, making cookoffs like Worcester’s a natural extension of life in the fire service.
The Paragus IT Firehouse Cookoff gives the public a rare opportunity to taste meals typically enjoyed only around the firehouse kitchen table while supporting organizations that serve the Worcester community.
Sources
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
- Worcester Fire Department
- Firehouse Cookoff organizers
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