The Carmel Fire Department will host its annual Chili Cook-Off competition on Jan. 17 from noon to 2 p.m. at The Ice at Carter Green. The cook-off is a friendly competition between the six fire stations in Carmel, where they compete for the chili cup trophy. 

Michael McNeely, lieutenant firefighter and public information officer, said the reason behind this event was to connect with the community. This competition includes a variety of chili styles, and residents of Carmel are invited to taste-test and vote for their favorite chili. 

McNeely said the cook-off competition was created to bring the community together, outside of stressful emergency environments.

“The Chili Cook-Off started as a simple idea to bring firefighters and residents together outside of an emergency setting,” McNeely said. “What began small grew into a large public event once the department saw how much the community enjoyed connecting with firefighters in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.”

Katelyn Chen

Stronger connections with the community

McNeely said the event allows residents to associate firefighters with positive experiences rather than only emergencies.

“Firefighters often meet residents on what may be the worst day of their lives. The cook-off was created to flip that script giving the community a chance to meet their firefighters during a positive, lighthearted event,” McNeely said. “One of the most meaningful moments is seeing kids meet firefighters without fear, trying on helmets, joking with firefighters, and leaving with smiles. Those interactions can change how a child feels about first responders for life.”

Freshman Riya Tom, the president of Heart Club, said events like the Chili Cook-Off play a powerful role in strengthening community connections.

“Community-based charity events are critical in our society because they not only support local organizations but also help build more connections and highlight the amazing communities we have,” Tom said.

Similarly, junior Fajr Naveed, a student who is actively involved in her community, said large community events make giving back feel more meaningful.

“Community events are inspiring because you get to see so many people show up for one cause, and it makes you feel proud to be surrounded by people who want to make a difference,” Naveed said.

McNeely also said the cook-off helps build trust and familiarity between firefighters and the community.

“When residents can shake hands, ask questions and laugh with firefighters, it humanizes the department,” McNeely said. “Kids meet firefighters without fear, adults see the people behind the uniforms, and that familiarity builds trust long before an emergency ever happens.” 

Furthermore, McNeely said these types of events allow firefighters to form deep and personal connections with individuals.

“It shifts perceptions from ‘someone you call in a crisis’ to ‘people you know and trust.’ Residents sometimes can begin to recognize faces, names and personalities, which helps break down barriers and creates a stronger sense of mutual respect,” McNeely said.

Tom said this familiarity also strengthens relationships between organizations and the people they serve.

“Events like these help club members and residents get to know each other better, which creates a solid foundation for both the organization and the community,” Tom said.

Safety education 

McNeely said the Chili Cook-Off competition also enables firefighters to educate residents about safety.

“Beyond entertainment, residents can gain access to information, safety education, and direct interaction with firefighters,” McNeely said. “Events like this also strengthen community pride and reinforce the idea that public safety is a shared responsibility.”

McNeely added that the event creates time for meaningful safety conversations about safety to happen outside emergency situations.

“At the cook-off, conversations are unhurried and positive. There’s time to talk, explain what we do if people ask, and answer questions without stress or fear involved. It’s relationship-building instead of problem-solving in an emergency, and that makes a lasting impact,” McNeely said.

Tom said combining fun activities with fundraising makes the community more engaged.

“People are more likely to donate to celebration events because it gives them a chance to enjoy themselves while also supporting a noble cause,” Tom said.

Naveed also said the fun atmosphere makes donating feel natural. 

“I think that more people are excited to donate when there is a fun event involved because people like bonding over enjoyable activities in general,” Naveed said.

McNeely said, “The food and atmosphere draw people in, but the conversations can educate. Firefighters are always happy to talk about fire safety, EMS services, equipment and training, making learning approachable and engaging.”

More than just emergency responders 

McNeely said the firefighters appreciated participating in the cook-off, not only to connect with others but to also show the human side of the department.

“Firefighters enjoy it,” McNeely. “It’s a chance to show a different side of us, spend time with coworkers, and interact with the community in a way that reminds everyone we’re human.”

McNeely also said the cook-off strengthened teamwork between firefighters and stations.

“‘Friendly competition, shared preparation and teamwork outside the station strengthen bonds between crews. It builds camaraderie that carries back into daily operations,” McNeely said. 

Furthermore, Tom said seeing firefighters outside of emergencies helps people feel more comfortable around them.

“This type of event helps people start to connect with members of the fire department, which in turn means a stronger bond between the two groups, ultimately making the community as a whole mightier,” Tom said. 

McNeely said volunteers and community members play important roles in allowing the event to run smoothly.

“Community support is critical whether through attendance, volunteering, sponsorships, or simply spreading the word. The event truly reflects a partnership between the fire department and the residents it serves.” McNeely said. “We do many things throughout the year, such as the firefighter for a day camp, and those programs rely on donations. The cookoff is a space that we can make friends, and sometimes connections that help us with other events throughout the year.”

Tom said student-led clubs like Heart Club also depend on this same type of community involvement. 

“Our community and their support is what fuels Heart Club. Giving back to the community helps us strengthen that bond, and spreads our mission across the nation,” Tom said. “Celebration events such as these show community members that by supporting their own residents, they have already played a significant role in helping a mission spread.”

Naveed also said firefighter-led charity events leave a lasting impression on the community.

“For me, seeing firefighters lead a charity event like this is really inspiring because these individuals have an important role when it comes to engaging with the community to foster a safer environment,” Naveed said.

“The cook-off represents transparency, approachability and service beyond emergency response,” McNeely said. “The cook-off shows that the fire department is part of the fabric of the community, not just responders, but neighbors, parents and volunteers who care deeply about the people they serve.”