The smell of slow-smoked barbecue filled the air as law enforcement agencies from across California gathered at Travis Air Force Base for the California State Sheriffs’ Association (CSSA) 2nd Annual BBQ Competition. What began as a friendly culinary showdown quickly became a celebration of camaraderie, community partnership, and service.
Hosted by the Solano County Sheriff’s Office and the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office, this year’s competition brought together talented pitmasters and support teams from the Solano, Sutter, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Bernardino, Butte, Yuba, Placer, San Francisco, and San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Offices. While each team arrived with its own secret recipes, smoking techniques, and competitive spirit, all shared a common goal: providing an unforgettable meal for the men and women serving our country.
Held at Travis Air Force Base, the event served approximately 500 military personnel, offering an afternoon of exceptional food and appreciation for those who dedicate themselves to protecting our nation. From perfectly smoked ribs to tender tri-tip and flavorful chicken, attendees enjoyed a feast prepared by some of California’s finest law enforcement professionals.
Adding to the excitement was an impressive panel of judges. Baseball legend Barry Bonds, Travis Air Force Base Corporal Prouty, and former Sacramento Kings player Harold Pressley were tasked with the difficult job of selecting the competition’s top entries. After sampling some of the best barbecue California has to offer, the judges crowned winners in several highly contested categories.
When the smoke settled and the scores were tallied, these agencies rose to the top of a highly competitive field, showcasing exceptional barbecue skills and earning well-deserved bragging rights for the year.
- Best Ribs: Butte County Sheriff’s Office
- Best Tri-Tip: Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office
- Best Chicken: Yuba County Sheriff’s Office
- Best Overall: Yuba County Sheriff’s Office
While trophies and bragging rights were certainly on the line, the true success of the event extended far beyond the awards. The competition showcased the strong partnerships that exist among California’s sheriff’s offices and highlighted the shared commitment to serving communities both in and out of uniform. Events like these provide an opportunity for agencies to connect in a unique setting, strengthen professional relationships, and support our military partners.
The CSSA 2nd Annual BBQ Competition proved once again that a little friendly rivalry can bring people together. Between the laughter, teamwork, and incredible food, the event served as a reminder that service comes in many forms—sometimes with a badge, sometimes with a military uniform, and occasionally with a smoker and a pair of tongs.
As the grills cooled and teams packed up their equipment, participants left with full stomachs, lasting memories, and anticipation for next year’s competition. If this year was any indication, the bar has officially been raised, and California’s sheriff’s offices will be bringing even more heat to the grill in the years to come.
This year’s CSSA 2nd Annual BBQ Competition was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, whose partnership helped elevate the event and enhance the experience for all participants and attendees. Special thanks to Karm Bains, Mike Ziegenmeyer, Sacramento Hard Rock Casino, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, Wellpath, Permitium, California OnLine, Right to Bear, and 29 Outdoors for their continued support of law enforcement and community engagement efforts.
Written By: Sierra Pedley, Public Information Officer, Sutter County Sheriff’s Office
