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Commissioner Kelly hosts cooking demo at Boynton Beach firehouse; firefighters offer Fourth of July safety tips
Summary
Commissioner Kelly filmed the first "Cooking with the Commission" episode at Fire Station 5, where Captain Chris Whitmore cooked burgers and firefighter Cory Suwell outlined fireworks-safety tips — urging residents to follow manufacturer instructions and keep a clear ignition area.
Commissioner Kelly hosted the first "Cooking with the Commission" episode at Boynton Beach Fire Station 5, where firefighters cooked burgers and shared safety tips ahead of the Fourth of July.
The event combined a live cooking demonstration led by Captain Chris Whitmore with a short safety briefing from firefighter Cory Suwell. "First and foremost, whenever selecting fireworks, you always want to check the manufacturer safety recommendations," Suwell said, adding that fireworks should be ignited only in a clear, open area away from overhangs, cars and grills and with children kept at a safe distance.
The program’s purpose was largely outreach: to showcase local firefighters, offer practical holiday-safety advice, and give residents a behind-the-scenes look at station life. Captain Chris, who identified himself as a 17-year member of the Beach Fire Department and described cooking meals for the station’s roughly 10 firefighters, demonstrated preparing a bacon jam and assembling burgers served with slaw, street corn and a grilled-vegetable salad prepared by Commissioner Kelly’s daughter, Sloan. "I am Captain Chris Whitmore with Beach Fire Department. I've been with the department for 17 years and ... I do cook a lot of the meals," he said.
Speakers also described station traditions: Fire Chief Ubutder thanked Commissioner Kelly for the visit and noted that families sometimes join station holiday meals, and participants explained that rescue crews typically eat first because they must remain ready to respond to calls. Commissioner Kelly, who said she was appointed in April of "22 and won election in March of '23," highlighted recent downtown business growth as part of remarks about serving the community.
The episode mixed lighthearted elements — a station seasoning bar and a pineapple-based chilled drink the crew called a "firehouse special" — with practical guidance. Suwell warned of common fireworks injuries including burns and eye trauma and emphasized following labeled instructions to reduce risk.
The event concluded with thanks to station staff and a reminder to residents to enjoy holiday festivities safely. No formal city action or policy change resulted from the episode.
