Police and Fire compete in eating competition for community fundraiser

Sunday, May 13 2012 @ 06:00 am EDT

Contributed by: CBrining

ATLANTIC CITY -- It was a show down like no other on Saturday in Atlantic City, where police and firefighters went head to head in a breakfast of champions eating contest. The sides came together to raise money for 2 people in the community very close to them.

“Start the competition!"

It was a fight from the start at Teplitzy's in the Chelsea Hotel when police and fire fighters faced off in the....Continue Reading

2nd annual "Big Teplitzy" breakfast eating competition.

“Of course I’m rooting for the guns, those hoses are going down,” said Christine Slota.

The men in blue held in till the last minute, but it was Jim McDevitt from the side of the hoses that managed to be the first to clear all 4 pounds of food from his plate. And with the last piece of bacon still in his mouth, McDevitt had few words to say.

"Very full."

The champion finished his meal in 16 minutes. That's 11 minutes faster than his record last year. But he says the win isn't just for him but for all those who came out to support."

"Its good to get out in the public eye and they can see the other side of fire fighting and give back to the community and give back to the people in our family,” said 2-year champion, Jim McDevitt.

The service men and women consider themselves to be one big family. They came together to host today's event to raise money for 2 causes close to their hearts.

Half of the proceeds will go to a 17 month old girl with kidney cancer.

"She’s doing good right now and we are just praying everyday that everything work's out,” said Grandmother, Kris Potter.

The other half will be provided to a police officer that survived being hit by a bus last year.

"It's been a difficult year, he is improving, be he has a long way to go,” said sister, Christine Slota.

But it wasn't just the safety officials that came out in support of the cause and those fighting for it.

"Today is an opportunity for someone like me to come by and show them appreciation for the job they do. This is a fun event, but it's also a good cause,” said Senator Jim Whelan.

Last year the group raised $5,000, and hopes to double that amount from Saturday’s event.

Anyone who wishes to can send donations to Local 198 in Atlantic City to P.O. Box 1909, Atlantic City 08401.

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