The Fire Chief Ale events at the Westminster Promenade Rock Bottom Brewery raised an estimated $8000 in March, benefitting the Westminster Firefighters Fire Victims Benefit Fund and the Westminster Public Safety Recognition Foundation. The Rock Bottom has brewed Fire Chief Ale annually for the past eleven years, with proceeds from the ale sales donated to local firefighter charities. The brewery co-hosts two events with the Westminster Fire Department; the Tapping to kick-off Fire Chief Ale and the Chili Cook-Off to wrap up the promotion. A bachelor/ette auction, silent auction, drawing, donations, and t-shirt sales add to the funds raised from Fire Chief Ale sales. March 26 marked the end of the Fire Chief Ale this year, and the Chili Cook-off attracted quite a crowd that raised more funds than ever for the two charities.

Three awards were presented for the firehouse chili cook-off. Public Education Officer Sherrie L. Leeka won the Chef's Choice category and a $150 gift certificate to Rock Bottom for "The G" chili. Battalion Chiefs Derik Minard and Paul Spellman won the VIP Choice category (judged by Westminster Mayor Nancy McNally and Councilors Scott Major, Faith Hill, and Bob Briggs) and a $100 gift certificate for "BC Green" chili. Finally, firefighter Ryan Slade won the "People's Choice" category and a $50 gift certificate for "El Diablo" chili.

T-shirts with the Westminster Fire Department logo and station/special team logos are still available. Contact Diana Allen, 303-430-2400 x4518 or dmallen@ci.westminster.co.us, for information.