Johnsonville Issues Call for Americans to Celebrate Unsung Heroes

"Best of US" contest to highlight, reward volunteer fire departments for the first time with more than $38K in prizes

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Apr 08, 2014, 07:50 ET

SHEBOYGAN FALLS, Wis., April 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnsonville Sausage today launched the next phase of its "Best of US" contest, this time asking Americans to nominate a special group of heroes that reflect the nation's spirit: Volunteer firefighters.

From now until May 7, people across the nation can submit entries for community volunteer firehouses in a first-of-its-kind contest. Americans should nominate the firehouse they believe illustrates the greatness of the nation and its spirit for volunteerism.

Johnsonville Sausage, LLC. (PRNewsFoto/Johnsonville Sausage, LLC) (PRNewsFoto/JOHNSONVILLE SAUSAGE, LLC)

"The 'Best of US' helps Johnsonville turn our internal values outward in a quest to recognize Americans who exemplify teamwork and helping people and communities become great," said Ralph Stayer, owner of Johnsonville. "One group in particular exemplifies these same ideals every day – and that's volunteer firefighters, who make up approximately 70 percent of our nation's fire service."

Johnsonville's contest, in its second year and launched in conjunction with National Volunteer Week, recognizes and rewards different community groups each year through online submissions and voting. Last year, the "Best of US" featured two categories: Educators and Community Celebrations.

The submission process is simple. Johnsonville asks Americans to visit www.johnsonville.com/bestofus and submit a volunteer firehouse name, location and what makes that firehouse the Best of US and worthy of such recognition.

After the submission period closes May 7, Johnsonville will announce the top 20 finalists online. Americans will be asked to vote and help select one grand prize winner and nine finalists, to be announced on or around June 24.

Johnsonville will award the grand prize-winning firehouse $10,000 to use toward its firehouse or community. In addition, International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) will provide an IFSTA Training Library and home smoke alarm equipment with alert devices (that meet the needs of people with disabilities) to install in 100 homes in that fire department's community. Each of the nine finalist firehouses will receive $1,000 and an IFSTA eBook. All 10 winners will also receive Johnsonville sausage products for the fire department to help raise additional funds to support the departments' fire prevention and safety efforts.

About Johnsonville Sausage, LLC
Wisconsin-based Johnsonville Sausage is the No. 1 national brand of brats, Italian sausage, smoked-cooked links, breakfast sausage links and meatballs. Johnsonville employs approximately 1,400 members. Each member takes ownership of product quality to ensure the excellence and "Big Flavor" of Johnsonville Sausage. Founded in 1945 by Ralph F. and Alice Stayer, the company remains privately owned today. www.johnsonville.com.

Press Contacts:
Stephanie Dlugopolski	Kay Brungs
Johnsonville Sausage	GolinHarris on behalf of Johnsonville
[email protected]	[email protected]
(920) 453-4826	(312) 729-4047