CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office held their annual Chili Cook-Off on Friday, with crock pots filled with a variety of flavorful chili from the staff members at the Public Safety Complex. A panel of ten judges from the community tasted each entry to decide the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.

The winners of this year’s event were Sheila Ratliff, who took first place and a gold ladle; Matthew Riels was the second-place winner with a silver ladle; and third place went to Marc McElroy with a bronze ladle. Each of them also received a ribbon and, of course, bragging rights for the whole year.

Judges for the the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office annual Chili Cook-Off fundraiser with proceeds going to Manna Cafe Ministries on Mar. 17, 2023. (Lee Erwin)
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office held their annual Chili Cook-Off fundraiser with proceeds going to Manna Cafe Ministries on Mar. 17, 2023. (Lee Erwin)
L-R, Marc McElroy, 3rd place, Sheila Ratliff 1st place, & 2nd place Matthew Riels, Winners of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office annual Chili Cook-Off on Mar. 17, 2023. (Lee Erwin)
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office held their annual Chili Cook-Off fundraiser with proceeds going to Manna Cafe Ministries on Mar. 17, 2023. (Lee Erwin)
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office held their annual Chili Cook-Off fundraiser with proceeds going to Manna Cafe Ministries on Mar. 17, 2023. (Lee Erwin)
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office held their annual Chili Cook-Off fundraiser with proceeds going to Manna Cafe Ministries on Mar. 17, 2023. (Lee Erwin)

The chili cook-off competition at the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office began in 2014 as an effort to raise money for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. The event has continued each year, with money raised going to various local charities.

For the 2023 Chili Cook-Off, $200 is being donated to Manna Café Ministries.