The fire, ambulance, and police departments in Swift Current are putting the 'FUN' in fundraiser tomorrow with their chili cookoff happening at Market Square from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..

These departments compete against each other as a charity event for The Center, a beloved youth establishment in the community, and this year's cook-off will be the first one since 2019.  

Pete L'Heureux, deputy chief for the city of Swift Current fire department, said lots of organizations through COVID have struggled with funding, and the departments are happy to help support a staple business in the community. 

"It's awareness as a community that this organisation is there and that they're helping our youth," he added.

The three units often go on emergency calls and responses together in a more serious environment, so they enjoy the opportunity to have fun with each other.

"This is a good chance for us to add a little bit of fun, some rivalry, and maybe some silliness to help promote the event," L'Heureux laughed. 

Constable Tony Curti spoke out about the competitiveness of the fire department, who happen to be the reigning champions of the previous cook-off. 

Curti said, "I went to the CO-OP to buy my groceries for the event, and the cashier said 'the fire guys were just here this morning, and they begged us to vote for them!'"  Deputy chief Pete L'Heureux confirms this story is in fact true. 

Anyone who would like to vote will get to sample a small bowl of each department's chili.  With a donation that goes to The Center, residents can cast their vote on which bowl is their favourite.

Duane Doane, ICP paramedic at Hutch Ambulance, admitted his team took their loss hard from the previous event.  

"So this year we're bringing attitude, and we're gonna win," Doane said. 

While all three first responders claimed the cook-off is a lighthearted feud, residents should be prepared to have a laugh as the competition heats up tomorrow.

"We do count on each other quite heavily and we are definitely family," Constable Tony Curti said.  "So, this is a family event, a community event, and I can't wait to see who wins."