FLEMING ISLAND – It wasn’t easy to pick the best chili from 22 entries at Sunday’s cookoff, especially since many of the contestants wore firearms.

First responders brought their best recipes to Whitey’s Fish Camp to raise money and awareness for a 10-year-old boy who’s battling leukemia for the second time in his young life.

The boy, Shane, was in the hospital when members of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Green Cove Springs, Orange Park and Clay County District Schools police departments, Division of Emergency Management and Fire Rescue packed the back dining room at the popular restaurant.

Not only did everyone have the opportunity to taste a variety of chilis, but more than $4,500 was also raised to help Shane’s family.

“It was amazing,” said Alyssa Pfeifer, the organizer of the event. “That’s the most money that’s been raised at Whitey’s.”

Pfeifer runs the Tiki Bar at Whitey’s (www.restaurantji.com/fl/fleming-island/whiteys-fish-camp-/) and she got involved after one of her former employees, Amber, returned to work. Amber said her son fought leukemia when he was 3, only to have it return seven years later.

During the tasting, many first responders joined Amber in a group call to Shane. The restaurant erupted in cheer to show its support.

“This time I wanted to make sure they knew there were people who wanted to help them and take care of them. helping them and taking care of them. Especially around this time of year when families have enough to worry about, no parent ever wants to go through what they're going through.”

Sheriff Michelle Cook won first place with her chili, while CCSO also finished second. Emergency Management was third.