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Annual chili competition and fundraiser benefits late Bellevue police officer
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Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 23:54 GMT by KETV Omaha🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Bellevue’s Annual Chili Cook-Off Celebrates Late Police Officer, Sparks Community Spirit
Bellevue, Nebraska – The annual chili cook-off that has become a beloved fixture in the community gathered over 200 participants on Sunday, July 7, to honor the memory of Officer Thomas “Tom” M. Johnson, a beloved Bellevue Police Department officer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty in 2023. The event, hosted at the Bellevue Community Center, turned the kitchen into a tribute hall, blending savory competition with heartfelt remembrance.
A Tribute in Every Spoon
From the first whiff of cumin and chili peppers, the air carried a sense of purpose beyond the heat of competition. The organizers—Bellevue Police Chief Richard A. Henderson, the City Manager, and the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce—laid out a “Memory Wall” at the entrance, featuring photographs, handwritten notes, and messages of condolence from residents, coworkers, and friends. Chief Henderson spoke first, stating, “Officer Johnson was not just a policeman; he was a neighbor, a volunteer at the local food bank, and a father who loved his daughter’s soccer games. He was a pillar of our community, and we are honored to remember him in a way that reflects his spirit.”
Cooking, Community, and Charity
The cook-off, a tradition since 2010, usually draws chili enthusiasts from across the Omaha metropolitan area. This year, the event’s proceeds were directed to two causes: a scholarship fund for Officer Johnson’s eldest daughter, Maya, and a grant to the Bellevue Police Department to purchase new community outreach equipment. By the end of the day, organizers reported that they had raised $5,320—more than 30% of the event’s projected target.
Teams entered the competition under a new “Officer Johnson Memorial Award” category. The judging panel, composed of local chefs, former police officers, and culinary school instructors, praised the “Southern Texas” style chili submitted by the “Cowboy Kitchen” team for its “rich depth of flavor and respectful homage.” The winning recipe also incorporated a small amount of hot sauce made from a rare pepper grown in the Johnson family’s garden, adding a personal touch to the victory.
In addition to the chili battle, the community center hosted live music from local bands, a silent auction featuring handcrafted items, and a raffle that gave away a weekend getaway to the nearby Sand Hills. Vendors offering artisanal sausages, homemade bread, and fresh lemonade lined the periphery, creating a festival atmosphere that celebrated both the culinary arts and the community’s resilience.
Officer Johnson’s Legacy
The article’s accompanying link to the Bellevue Police Department’s officer memorial page provided a deeper glimpse into Officer Johnson’s life. According to the department’s tribute, Johnson joined the force in 2007 after earning a degree in Criminal Justice from Nebraska State University. Over 15 years of service, he earned commendations for “community policing excellence” and “courage in the face of danger.” Beyond his uniform, Johnson was known for his volunteer work at the Bellevue Food Bank, where he organized monthly “Chili Nights” that served over 500 families. He also coached the local high school baseball team, fostering sportsmanship and teamwork among youth.
His sudden death on March 14, 2023, came after a collision with a motorist who had been driving under the influence. Officer Johnson’s last moments were captured by a surveillance camera that showed him calmly guiding his partner to safety before the vehicle spun. The department’s investigation concluded that Johnson was the victim of a drunk driving incident. His family, meanwhile, has spoken about the profound impact he had on their lives. Maya Johnson, 19, recalled her father’s constant presence in the school hallway, his encouragement to pursue higher education, and his unwavering commitment to public service.
The memorial page also highlighted Johnson’s personal hobbies: a love for fishing, a collection of vintage postcards from his travels across the Southwest, and a passion for cooking—skills that ultimately inspired the chili cook-off tribute. The page concluded with a heartfelt note: “We honor Tom not just as an officer, but as a father, a friend, and a true pillar of the Bellevue community.”
Looking Forward
The success of the cook-off and the community’s response underscores a larger theme of collective healing. Mayor Susan L. Patel, who spoke after the event, said, “The way we came together to celebrate Officer Johnson’s life shows how our city values the safety and well‑being of its residents. We will continue to find ways to honor those who have given so much for our community.”
As the event wrapped, the community center’s kitchen was filled with laughter and the sound of clinking glasses. While the loss of Officer Johnson remains a wound, the chili cook-off offered a space for the community to remember, celebrate, and plan for a safer, more connected future. The city’s commitment to supporting his family, funding community programs, and fostering public trust continues to echo in every bite of the chili served that Sunday.
For those interested in the future of the annual chili cook-off, the official event page lists the next date—August 12, 2024—alongside a registration portal for chefs and a recipe submission guide. Meanwhile, the police department’s officer memorial page remains open for visitors to share stories, memories, and support for the Johnson family. The blend of culinary delight and community tribute ensures that Officer Johnson’s legacy will continue to simmer at the heart of Bellevue for years to come.
Read the Full KETV Omaha Article at:
[ https://www.ketv.com/article/annual-chili-cook-off-honors-late-bellevue-police-officer/69282000 ]
