Johnsonville Announces Top 20 Volunteer Firehouse Finalists in 'Best of US' Contest

SHEBOYGAN FALLS, Wis., May 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnsonville Sausage today launched the voting phase of its "Best of US" contest, announcing the top  20 volunteer firehouses chosen from nominations by Americans across the country.

Johnsonville's annual contest received 256 nominations, with many firehouses nominated multiple times by members of their community.

"These volunteer firefighters go out of their way to help others, keep people safe and support their communities through special events and fundraisers," said Ralph Stayer, owner of Johnsonville. "It is such an honor to recognize and reward the outstanding men and women at these firehouses for their brave and admirable service."

Americans are being asked to vote for their favorite firehouse from today until June 20 by visiting www.johnsonville.com/bestofus. The top 20 finalist firehouses are represented across 15 states, from Nevada to New York, and boast diverse skills and experiences. One firehouse is specially trained to respond to extreme circumstances like burning railroad tracks running through nuclear power plants, while another served as an emergency operations center during two major floods.

The 10 firehouses securing the most public votes will be counted among the top 10, with one grand prize winner and nine finalists. The grand prize-winning firehouse will win $10,000 to use toward its firehouse or community, along with Johnsonville sausage products. Additionally, the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) will provide the grand prize winner with an IFSTA Training Library and home smoke alarm equipment to install in 100 homes in their community—including alert devices that meet the needs of people with disabilities.

Each of the nine other finalist departments will receive a $1,000 cash prize and Johnsonville sausage products. IFSTA will provide ball caps, T-shirts and IFSTA eBooks for each department member.

Johnsonville's contests honor valued civic and public servants, with each contest honoring The Johnsonville Way or the American spirit in some way.  Last year's contest featured two categories and honored educators and community celebrations. Voters are encouraged to share the contest on social media channels to garner participation from as many people as possible. The top 10 winning volunteer fire departments will be announced on or around June 24.

About Johnsonville Sausage, LLC
Wisconsin-based Johnsonville Sausage is the No. 1 national brand of brats, Italian sausage, smoked-cooked links, meatballs and fresh breakfast sausage links. Johnsonville employs approximately 1,400 members, who help deliver our products in more than 40 countries. Each member takes ownership of product quality to ensure the excellence and "Big Flavor" of Johnsonville Sausage. Founded in 1945 by the late Ralph F. and Alice Stayer, the company remains privately owned today.

For additional Johnsonville company information, the latest recipes, contests and the Big Taste Grill tour schedule, visit www.johnsonville.com.

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SOURCE Johnsonville Sausage, LLC