(Above) Chicago fire fighters react to a round of spicy chicken wings at a charity event in River North on Wednesday. Winning the spicy contest was Al Cousineau, pointing to a supporter in this photo. Click on images to view larger versions.

May 22, 2014 – Chicago fire fighter Al Cousineau did not come to Dick’s Last Resort in 2013 to win a wing-eating contest but he won anyway, and returned this year to win again.

Representing Hook & Ladder 2 at 324 South Des Plaines Street, a few blocks west of the Loop, Cousineau won in the “spicy” category, consuming the most chicken wings laced with the hottest spice Dick’s Last Resort could find.

Cousineau was there last year initially to show support for fellow fire fighters and even went through a buffet.

This year’s competition benefited Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago. A series of contests narrowed the competitors, each representing either the Chicago Fire Department or Chicago Police Department.

Consuming the most not-so-spicy wings was Luis Novalez, a police officer in Chicago’s 18th district that includes River North. He is third from left in the above photo.

Judging the contests were (left to right in above photo) 2nd Ward Alderman Bob Fioretti, in whose ward Easter Seals is headquartered, City Clerk Susana Mendoza, and British Consul General Stephen Bridges.