SCOTTSBORO, Ala. (WHNT) — Wednesday afternoon, the City of Scottsboro had a battle of the departments. Officers with the Scottsboro Police Department took on firefighters with Scottsboro Fire & Rescue in a pickled jalapeño eating contest.
Each competitor had 12 jalapeños in their box and one minute to eat as many as they could. Both agencies supplied five participants each.
In the end, the Scottsboro Police Department took home the win. It’s team ate a total of 32 jalapeños. The fire department ate a total of 27 jalapeños.
The showdown was put on by MWB Restaurants and Whataburger. They supplied the $1,500 prize money.
“All $1,500 is being donated to Lt. Porch and his benefit fund,” said Chrisy Lambert, the Marketing Manager for MWB Restaurants.
The contest was a fundraiser for the Lt. Derek Porch Benefit Fund. Scottsboro Police Lieutenant Derek Porch was shot in the hand while on duty in July 2025.
The shooting prompted a 20-hour manhunt for the suspect, Daniel McCarn. McCarn was later arrested near a set of train tracks and is expected to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on September 3rd.
Lt. Porch’s injuries were non-life-threatening, and he is recovering.
“It was just a no-brainer that we’re going to help him out and his recovery effort,” Lambert told News 19.
Last week, Lt. Porch was welcomed back to Scottsboro with a full police escort and a community gathering.
Members of the Scottsboro Police Department tell News 19 that Lt. Porch is recovering well at home.
Lieutenant Coty Durham with SPD said that Porch is grateful for the support and for the contest being in his honor.
“He was excited to know that there are multiple things being put on not only for his benefit but also to help him and his family as well,” Durham said.
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