Alnwick/Haldimand Fire Department Wins the Northumberland County “Disaster Dining Challenge”

Pete Fisher
2 years ago
• Categories: Editor Choice, Local

Alnwick/Haldimand Fire Chief Dave Davidson came out on top winning the first “Disaster Dining Challenge” on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

Northumberland Community Emergency Management Coordinators (Fire Chiefs) held the challenge at the Baltimore Recreation Centre in celebration of Emergency Preparedness Week.

Participants were tasked with creating “culinary masterpieces” with no electricity, using only non-perishable food typically be found in a household emergency preparedness kit.

The three judges for the event were Eric Everett, Director, Exercises, Education and Training, Emergency Management Ontario, Ken Stubbings, former County Manager of health, Safety and Emergency Risk and Colleen McCabe, County Manager of Health, Safety and Emergency Risk.

Alnwick/Haldimand Fire Chief Dave Davidson said he didn’t have any secrets for getting the top prize, but said, “once around the kitchen you never know what you’re going to get.”

“I was up against some pretty tough guys that can cook really, really well.”

Alnwick/Haldimand Fire Department came in first place with Hamilton Township Fire Department coming in a close second (even though one of the judges couldn’t hold down the food that was made).

Third place went to the Municipality of Trent Hills Fire Department, fourth place went to Brighton Fire Department and Cobourg Fire Department came in fifth (last).

Held during Emergency Preparedness Week, this year taking place between May 7—13, 2023, this event is an opportunity to draw the community’s attention to the importance of having a fully equipped emergency preparedness kit. Every household should have a kit readily available with supplies to be self-sufficient for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency, including non-perishable food items.