San Diego firefighters reclaim ‘Best Chili’ title in Rancho Bernardo

by Elizabeth Marie Himchak

The crew at Fire Station No. 33 in Rancho Bernardo reclaimed the “Best Chili” title after getting 16 more votes than San Diego Police’s Northeastern Division on Saturday.

The firefighters won the first round in 2022, but the police had the more popular recipes among safety fair attendees in 2023 and 2024.

Police and fire department representatives at the RB Safety Fair on Sept. 13 included SDPD Capt. Jud Campbell, RSVP Capt. Bob Walder, Firefighter Caden McCormies, Fire Capt. Rick Vigil, Robin Kaufman, SDPD Lt. Phillip Konz, Firefighter/Paramedic Samantha Lopez, SDPD Acting Lt. Sarah Sutter and Engineer Kevin McKean. (Courtesy of RBCC)

The fourth annual contest between San Diego Police and San Diego Fire-Rescue was held during Rancho Bernardo’s 15th annual Safety Fair, held in the parking lot of LifeBridge Church.

The fire station’s winning chili recipe was courtesy of Firefighter/Paramedic Samantha Lopez, who made the winning dish. For those who voted, it was called “Sample B.”

RBCC member Mike Maiorano serving a chili sample to San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. (Courtesy of RBCC)

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria was among those who stopped by the fair. He brought a proclamation to recognize the Rancho Bernardo Community Council for hosting the event. Sept. 13 was dubbed “Rancho Bernardo Public Safety Fair Day.”

Alicia Gregory representing City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert; RBCC member Matt Greco; SDPD Northeastern Capt. Judson Campbell; RBCC members Mike Maiorano, Kevin Messer, Robin Kaufman and Trish Lee; Mayor Todd Gloria, RBCC member Laurie Madsen; San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Robert Logan and Firefighter/Paramedic Samantha Lopez who made the winning chili. (Courtesy of RBCC)

There were numerous participants, including animal rescue and therapy dog groups, the environmental advocate Solana Center, the Burn Institute and San Diego County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue unit. The Urban Corps of San Diego County also provided free electronic waste recycling.

Attendees also had an opportunity to explore first responder vehicles, take CPR training, watch demonstrations and participate in craft activities. Members of SDPD’s Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol provided free fingerprinting for minors.