ECPD takes top honors in saucy law enforcement cook-off
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com

L-N Photo by Brenda Sommer Winning Recipe Members and backers of El Campo Police Department's winning team, the Sauce Masters, stir their concoction during Saturday's annual all-law-enforcement spaghetti cook-off fund-raiser for the 100 Club. Shown from left are: Capt. Terry Marek, Officer Ray Contreras, Sgt. David Howard and Officer Jennifer Mican.

El Campo Police brought home the honors Saturday, beating out their brethren to win the annual all-law-enforcement spaghetti cook-off fundraiser.

"They really impressed the judges - every one of them voted El Campo's sauce the highest," said Andy Kirkland, Wharton County emergency management office coordinator, who marshaled the event.

Six teams entered the cook-off this year: El Campo PD's "Sauce Masters," Texas Department of Public Safety - Pierce's "Serranos," the "Nolo Contendere Cookers" from Wharton County Jail, Wharton County Sheriff's Office's "Italian Stallions," the "Law Dawg Cookers" from Wharton PD and the "Booze Busters" from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

L-N Photo by Brenda Sommer Noodle-icious Too busy to stop and give their names, these three hard-working volunteers handled their critical pasta chores with aplomb during Saturday's Second Annual 100 Club Spaghetti Cook-off. The event, held this year at Crescent Hall, garnered about $3,000 for the club, a nonprofit organization that supports the county's law enforcement community.

Competitors were scored based half on the opinions of three judges - District Judge Randy Clapp, County Judge John Murrile and actual Italian person Sylvan Miori. The other half of a team's score came from donations made at each team's booth.

"Unfortunately, I missed the competition, but as far as the results go, it's what I expected," said ECPD Lt. Terry Stanphill.

Last year, he headed the department's team, but had a prior engagement this year.

Team members of the champion ECPD culinary artists were Sgt. David Howard, Sgt. Sonny Gonzalez, Capt. Terry Marek and officers Christian Hadash and Jennifer Mican.

Howard attributed his team's victory to "a winning team spirit and an ancient blend of herbs and spices."

"We were not at all surprised - our sauce had an excellent taste and a fantastic aroma," Howard said.

Proceeds of the second annual cook-off benefit the 100 Club of Wharton County, a nonprofit organization that supports the county's law enforcement community.

El Campo's win means they'll take the winner's plaque from the WCSO's "Italian Stallions" team, headed by Sheriff Jess Howell.

"It's better that way," said Howell, who viewed the outcome philosophically. "If someone dominates, it doesn't make it as exciting. This way, it's more competitive. Plus, we'll probably win it next year anyway."

Peggy Trochta of Briggs & Veselka - official money wranglers and scorekeepers for the event - said the fund-raiser netted a bit more than last year's inaugural event.

"I'm still making deposits, but it looks like it's a little bit better than last year," she said. "Last year, we made $2,526.33. This year - and I don't have the exact expenses in - but it appears we netted about $3,000, roughly $500 more this year than last."

Kirkland said from what he's heard, the event was a big hit with participants and guests alike.

"When all is said and done, everyone had a good time," he said. "Everyone's already plotting and planning for next year."