Firefighters are a unique brand of people, especially volunteer firefighters. They're all about providing help to others, whether it's actually fighting fires, responding to accidents or joining forces to help others in need.

Two of Tamaqua's fire companies, the American Hose No. 1 and the East End, started a friendly competition a few years ago to see who could raise the most money for the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. Both did fine on their own, but five years ago, they decided to join forces after a discussion between Tom McCarroll of the East End, a cancer survivor, and Brian Connely of the American Hose.In those four years, the firefighters "Coming Together For a Cause" has donated more than $11,000 to the cancer cause through a Chili and Boilo Cook off, held every February.Typically, boilo is an alcoholic yuletide cocktail found mostly in the coal regions of northeast and east-central Pennsylvania. Brought to this country by Lithuanian immigrants, it is traditionally sipped warm or hot to celebrate the holidays and ward off winter's chill.Chili con carne is a spicy stew crafted from meat, chili peppers, tomatoes, beans and seasonings. The con carne, Spanish for with meat, has mostly been dropped from the name in America. Simply known as "chili," there are numerous variations based on where you live and personal taste.This year's event, the fire companies' fifth annual event, will be held on Saturday at the East End Fire Company, 553 E. Broad St., Tamaqua.Registration will begin at 11 a.m., with tasting/judging from 1 to 5 p.m. Special tasting and/or registration packages will be available.Prizes will be awarded for the best traditional and specialty chili and boilo.For more information, or to preregister, contact Connely at 570-728-4743.