Fire Department brings the heat

Tuesday night’s Belgium Fire Department chili cook-off drew about 35 people to the station to try recipes made by 10 department members. Tammy Pfeifer’s chili won the fan vote. At left, Jerry and Gail Keller dug in. “I think the committee did a good job organizing it. I think everybody was well satisfied with the turnout,” Fire Chief Dan Birenbaum said. The event served as a way to garner interest in the department’s new reserve program for people who don’t have time to go through the 120 hours of training to become a firefighter but still want to help at fire scenes and other calls. Duties include assisting with traffic control, overhaul of equipment and firehouse maintenance. Members must be at least 18 with a valid driver’s license, be able to lift 50 pounds and attend practices and meetings. Photo by Sam Arendt