After four weeks of cooking, competition, laughter and community spirit, St. Susan Center has crowned a champion for its inaugural "Battle of the Badges." The team of Camille Hodnett and Patrick Graham -- also known as Spicy, Spirity & Success -- received the Golden Ladle during the final round of the friendly competition that recognized police, fire and EMS professionals. Only two points separated the winning team from the competition, providing an exciting finish to the month-long fundraiser. Hodnett and Graham represented EMS personnel. The other two teams that competed were the Sheri-Chefs -- brothers Jace and Kaiden Blake -- who represented the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office; and Team Cummins -- Carol Sweeney and Michelle Torrens -- who represented and honored the Falconer Fire Department.
Battle of the Badges Chairperson Melissa Paterniti said, "It was wonderful to have a championship team representing each of our three badges, Police, Fire and EMS, battling it out tonight. That was exactly what I hoped this finale would look like when we started planning Battle of the Badges. Camille and Patrick earned that Golden Ladle, but when only two points separate a championship, you know every team brought their very best."
Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund and Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel served as guest masters of ceremonies for the championship finale, helping bring the four-week competition to a memorable close.
Battle of the Badges was created to help St. Susan Center raise funds toward its commercial walk-in freezer needs. Over four Thursday evenings in September, however, the fundraiser grew into something much larger. Teams cooked in recognition of local police, fire and EMS agencies. Community members served as judges and guest participants. Sponsors supported the series, volunteers worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and people from throughout the area filled the tables at St. Susan Center.
Pictured, from left to right: Jessica Velasco, David Brainard, Cherie Rowland, P.J. Wendel, Kim Ecklund, Camille Hodnett, Brian Mayo. Submitted photos
