Celebrity chefs are facing off yet again in a "Blazing-Hot" way with California Firefighters joining in as their sous chefs, all while benefiting Firefighter charities! Owner chef Russell Jackson of Lafitte, dissident chef of subculture dining and two other celebrity chefs will compete with California Firemen in a blaze to the top. Everyone knows Firefighters can handle the heat, come see 'em take it on in the kitchen!


Come join in the fun! All proceeds will benefit Firefighter charities!

Lafitte Restaurant in San Francisco
Pier 5, The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94111
CBS's Eye on the Bay host and KCBS's own Foodie Chap, Liam Mayclem will be hosting the event along with Fire Chief Paige Meyer, City of Vallejo, who will take a seat as one of the judges!

Paige Meyer

Chief Meyer has been in the fire service for more than twenty years. He started as a volunteer firefighter in Stockton before moving to Sunnyvale where he served as a public safety officer.

He then transitioned to Vallejo where he has held various positions within the fire department including firefighter, captain and battalion chief. He began serving as Fire Chief in 2011.

Chief Meyer holds a Bachelors Degree in Public Administration from California State University - Chico and an Associate Degree in Fire Science.

He has been married for over fifteen years and has three children Kailey 11, Ellie 9, and Lincoln 3.

 

 

Meet one of the
Firefighter Competitors:

 

Meet the Celebrity Chef Competitors
Mike Barilla
Taming flames for nearly three decades, Captain Mike Barilla is a proud Pasadena firefighter and cook. His fearless family includes brother Thomas Barilla, fellow firefighter in Upland, California. He wed twenty-five years ago and has three beautiful children. Watch out competitors - this guy learned to cook from his mom and he's been perfecting his skills in the fire service. Mike has two brothers also in the Fire Service - Tom, with Upland, CA F.D. and Paul with Phoenix, AZ F.D.

Alan Bates
When he's not showing flames who's boss, firefighter Alan Bates can be found golfing, coaching baseball, rooting for his favorite sports teams, or spending time with is beautiful family of four. Graduate of Arizona State University and equipped with nearly a decade of firefighting experience, Alan takes multi-tasking to another level. In other words, if you're not on his team, you have a fierce competitor!
Frank Roldan
A rare find, San Francisco native Frank Roldan left his heart in the Sunset district where he was raised, for sun-drenched Sacramento. Frank aspired to be a firefighter when he was a kid, and now enjoys his dream job, albeit the long commute. He has 20 years of experience working with the San Francisco Fire Department, learning to be an amazing firefighter, but also a great cook. He draws culinary inspiration from his colleagues and often "borrows" recipes. And why recreate the wheel, when, as he says "...you already know the meal tastes good!"

Donating Participants

Los Angeles Firemen's Credit Union   Foodie Chap
Firefighter Insurance Services   Lafitte Restaurant
    Mia's Kitchen
    Creekstone Farms
    Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery
 

Check presentations done by:

Mike Mastro
President/ CEO Los Angeles Firemen's Credit Union
Learn more...

Mike Mastro joined Los Angeles Firemen's Credit Union (LAFCU) as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on June 23, 1980 and in April 1992 was selected as the new President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Over his thirty-one (31) year career with LAFCU, he has added traditional and non-traditional product lines, enhanced LAFCU's technology offerings, and expanded the field of membership statewide to include all full time, paid, professional firefighters and their families.

Mike's work with California's close-knit firefighter community and understanding the uniqueness of their profession has positively contributed to LAFCU's growth and success.

Mike has over 35 years of investment, accounting, and management experience. Prior to LAFCU and just out of college, Mike worked with City National Bank as an Investment Analyst and then as CFO at Ralphs's Grocery Credit Union.

Mike earned his Bachelor's degree in both Accounting and Finance from Cal State University Northridge. He is also a graduate from the Stanford University Executive Business Development Program.

Harry Crusberg Jr.
President, Firefighter Insurance Services
Learn more...

Harry Crusberg has been in the insurance business for 30 years. He started as a file clerk, became licensed in 1982, and began selling Property and Casualty insurance. His grandfather started selling insurance for civil service employees in 1948. In 1995, Harry Crusberg purchased his own agency and in 1998, he partnered with Decker Insurance. They currently have five locations for Crusberg Decker Insurance Services, Inc. and own a majority percentage in CDF Insurance Services, and a minority percentage in Firefighter Insurance Services. He has managed and owned insurance agencies for over 25 years.

Harry holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and an Associate degree in Fire Science. He spent 27 years in the Pasadena Fire Department and retired in 2005 as a Battalion Chief to pursue business full time.

He is married with two great kids living in the foothills of Southern California.

   
 

CSE Insurance, proudly supporting Firefighters for over 60 years!