Metro Albany first responders compete for best barbecue

ALBANY — First responders from the metro area heated up the competition on Wednesday in the annual Law Enforcement Memorial BBQ Cook-off.

The cook-off brought together members from agencies including the Albany Police Department, the Albany-Dougherty Drug Unit, the Dougherty County Juvenile Court System, the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office, Dougherty County Emergency Medical Services, the Department of Community Supervision, the Leesburg Police Department and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

Wednesday’s competition was held on the grounds of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 2 on Dunbar Lane in Albany.

“We’ve been doing this now for 16 years,” said Albany Police Department Lt. Tracey Barnes. “It is a great way for all of us to get together and the money we raise with entry fees goes to the Albany Fraternal Order of Police to help with some of their projects, like Shop With A Cop at Christmastime.”

Nine teams competed this year in the categories of chicken, wings, ribs and Boston butt. The food presented to the judges was scored on appearance, flavor, tenderness and over-all impression.

“We are all like brothers and sisters out here,” said Victor Camp of the Albany-Dougherty Drug Unit. “We take it seriously, but we have fun.”

Aromas of barbecue and grill smoke permeated the air as teams prepared their delectable creations. The food was abundant and samples were available for all who attended.

When the judges had finished tasting and the scores were tallied, team Drive-by Smokers, led by Investigator Rusty Shackleford and Investigator Todd Smith of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, walked away as grand champions, having won first place in ribs, first place in wings and third place in chicken.

“Wow, this was awesome,” Shackleford said. “We have never placed in wings before and we have been doing this since 2009.”

According to the Drive-by Smokers this will be the fourth time they have taken home the trophy for grand champions; winning in 2010, 2011, 2012 and now in 2016.

“We always have such a good time,” said Smith. “We look forward to coming back next year.”

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