BBQ4Badges Continues With Great Success

2022 1st Responders Trophy – Brandon Petrehn and the Hedrick Fire Department Sponsored by Kraig Chevrolet (submitted photo)

June 27th, 2022

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The smell of burning wood that fired the slow cookers and grills of the competitors filled the air in downtown Oskaloosa over the weekend.

This was the fifth year for the event, which continues to evolve to meet the competition’s and participants’ needs and wants.

Those taking part in the sampling bought a twenty-dollar wristband that allowed them access to all the samples they could handle.

The money raised from the wristbands then goes to area emergency personnel in the county to help support them in protecting the community.

Oskaloosa firefighter Dustin Hook spoke with Oskaloosa News about what it means to see so much support for first responders.

Hook was part of the Oskaloosa Firefighters’ entry, and he said the group was having fun.

The Oskaloosa Police Department was within sight with their entry, and competition between the two was fun to watch.

Hook added he appreciates the support, not just for the firefighters but also the police department. The help, in turn, “helps out the entire community.”

“Obviously, we don’t do this job for the glory. We love to do it. To see the support of everybody around the community that’s awesome. It really is,” Hook added.

Hook also took a moment to thank the organizers of the yearly event. “Without those guys, this wouldn’t happen.”

Oskaloosa Police Officer Alex Sirovy said the team had a good night preparing their entries.

The Oskaloosa Police Department had been skunked the past couple of years, so they took this year a little more seriously, Sirovy was hopeful.

“You know, well, we’ve done a lot of research,” Sirovy added, indicating they had hopes for their rib and brisket entries.

“You know, it’s kind of humbling. You never really expect this many people to come together for an event that ultimately supports the badges of the community,” Sirovy said.