Trail Youth hosted their first brew off event. The Boots vs. Badges event was held on March 12 and March 19. The day with the most sales won a trophy and a pizza from the losing team.
During the two separate days, police officers and firefighters traded in their job duties to be a barista for a few hours.
“It’s a great flashback to my past of being a barista,” Eastside Fire and Rescue firefighter Danika Lawson said on March 19.
The firefighters served their specialty drinks, the “Firecracker” and the “4-Alarm.”
“I think its kind of awesome,” Lawson said about the brew off event. “I came from a barista background. It’s a great profession but it can lead to other things. For [the youth], starting here, they can go wherever they want if they put their mind to it.”
The first responders received a two-day training before serving up their drinks.
Snoqualmie Fire Department firefighter volunteer Kristina Myers said the brew off was great for the “kiddos,” and how it’s especially great for them to see their first responders behind the bar so they know that they’re good people too.
On March 12, the Snoqualmie Police Department served their “SnoPo” mocha and a “SnoPo” cocoa for non-coffee consumers.
Trail Youth executive director Kristin Zuray said they wanted to host a fun event that would support the first responders in their community and show the kids a different side of them.
“We really wanted to do something that would benefit our first responders and show a different side to the kids,” Zuray said. “It also gives a chance for the kids and the community to see their firefighter or their police in action [and] serving them in a fun way.”
The Snoqualmie Police Department won the brew off event with a total of $1,471 in sales, and the fire department raked in $1,097.
The Trail Youth is a nonprofit organization that seeks to build bridges between youth and the resources available. The organization aims to help teenagers — ages 13 to 19 — by offering free mentorship, leadership development, barista training and connections.
The funds raised between the two days will go back to the organization that serves 400 cups of free coffee a month to youth in the Valley.
“I just want them to know that they are loved and valued,” Zuray said about their first responders. “This community really appreciates them.”
Snoqualmie firefighter Sara York took orders at Boots vs. Badges brew off event on March 19. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo
Snoqualmie volunteer firefighter Kristina Myers made drinks at the Boots vs. Badges brew off event on March 19. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo
Snoqualmie Fire Dept. therapy dog, Phoebe, enjoys a puppuccino. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo
The first responders received a two-day training prior to the brew off event. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo
The Snoqualmie Police Department served coffee at the brew off event on March 12. Photo courtesy of Trail Youth
The Snoqualmie Police Department served coffee at the brew off event on March 12. Photo courtesy of Trail Youth
