Paragus Firehouse Cook Off Raises $15,000 for Worcester 6K, DetecTogether

WORCESTER — On Sept. 17, Polar Park hosted the third annual Paragus Firehouse Cook Off, a fundraiser event that attracted more than 300 people and generated $15,000 for the Worcester Fire Department 6K, which honors the memory of the Worcester 6 firefighters, and DetecTogether, a nonprofit that promotes early cancer detection in young adults, first responders, and workplace employees.

Firehouses from around the city created dishes that were judged by Niche Hospitality President Michael Covino; Katie Siegle, coordinator of Public and Community Relations at the Worcester Red Sox; Worcester Wares founder Jessica Walsh, and Fontaine Bros. CEO Dave Fontaine. The event was hosted by Mike Hsu and Radio Worcester’s Hank Stolz.

This year’s Judge’s Prize went to southern fried chicken served with waffles and cornbread, which was created by the Franklin Street Firehouse Group 1. For the second year running, Grove Street Firehouse Group 4 took home the People’s Choice Prize, this time with its coconut curry chicken sandwich. Other firehouse dishes in competition included Korean beef tacos, birria grilled cheese sandwiches, pasta bolognese, and more.

Event creator Paragus IT is a 100% employee-owned company and one of the fastest-growing IT firms in the region. In 2021, it expanded into Worcester from its base in Hadley and created the Firehouse Cook Off as a way to introduce itself to the local community and support a cause that is near and dear to everyone in Worcester.

“Another year, another great Firehouse Cook Off,” Paragus CEO Delcie Bean said. “A big thank you to the sponsors and judges, the Polar Park staff, and especially to the firefighters and their families and all the attendees who came out to show their support.”