North Metro Fire Rescue fire fighters took first place today in the First Annual Great Balls of Fire Meatball Cooking Contest on behalf of the Colorado Make-A-Wish. The team competed against three other finalists.

The meatballs were evaluated on taste, presentation, creativity and "The Story Behind the Meatball." North Metro's winning recipe was titled, "Angela's Meatball" after the cook of the original version of the recipe. The history of the meatball starts when Lt. Don Wiercinski, as a college student, rented a room from Angela, a 66 year old New Yorker. She quickly made him family, even sharing her recipe. For the competition, Lt. Wiercinski paired up with FF Matt Gintzler who added his own flair to the original recipe.

"Angela's Meatball" will be featured on the Maggiano's menu for one month starting some time in July. Each time the item is ordered $2 will be donated to Make-A-Wish Colorado.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado, Inc. grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Since being founded in 1983, the chapter has granted more than 3,000 wishes to eligible Colorado children. The Colorado chapter is part of the largest wish-granting organization in the world, with 69 chapters in the United States and its territories, along with 27 international affiliates on five continents.

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About North Metro Fire Rescue District

North Metro Fire Rescue is dedicated to your quality care. North Metro Fire Rescue provides fire protection, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response and rescue services to our community. Formed in 1946, the district now covers 63 square miles with a population of approximately 103,000 people including the City and County of Broomfield, the City of Northglenn and unincorporated areas of Boulder, Adams and Jefferson Counties.