(University of Rochester photos / Dana Perrin)
On December 9, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) teamed up with University Dining Services for the first “Cooking with DPS Iron Chef” competition.
Participating DPS officers formed a two-person team and through Dining Services were given kitchen space in Danforth Dining Center to imagine and prepare a unique dish that had to include brussel sprout leaves and stems. University Dining chefs were on hand to provide culinary instruction and ingredient guidance.
![Three people in chefs uniforms prepare greens in a kitchen.](https://www.rochester.edu/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DPS-prep.jpg)
![Two people in chef uniforms smile from behind a large pot of boiling water.](https://www.rochester.edu/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DPS-IC2.jpg)
After hours of preparation, the final dishes were then judged by a panel including Students Association members and University staff. The dishes were also offered to students during lunch, served by the DPS officers who prepared each dish.
![large group of students and staff smile as they sit around a table in Danforth Dining Center.](https://www.rochester.edu/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Judges.jpg)
The judges’ selection this year for best overall dish was mahi mahi fish tacos, prepared by DPS officer Erin Vess and commander Dana Perrin, with assistance from chef Dave Lathrop.
![two public safety officers in chef uniforms smile from behind kitchen counter.](https://www.rochester.edu/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DPS-5-e1575996637705.jpg)
The students’ choice for favorite dish was Philly cheesesteaks prepared by DPS sergeant Tim Kozlowski and officer Laura Johnson with assistance from chef Matt Hughes.
![Dining Services workers behind a serving line in a dining room.](https://www.rochester.edu/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DPS-philly.jpg)
The “Cooking with DPS Iron Chef” event was created as a way to build even stronger connections among DPS officers, staff, and students.
![table filled with six dishes and voting ballots.](https://www.rochester.edu/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DPS-IC.jpg)