Sixteen fire and police chiefs from across Chester County are swapping their uniforms for bartending aprons Thursday, competing to pour the most memorable drinks and rake in the most tips for a cause that touches survivors of crime throughout the region. The third annual Cheers to CVC: Battle of the Badges runs from 5 to 8 p.m. at BELFOR Property Restoration in Exton, with every dollar tipped going toward the Crime Victims' Center of Chester County.
According to the Phoenixville Fire Department, fire chiefs and police chiefs from across the county are competing as bartenders to raise money for the nonprofit, with the chief who collects the most tips crowned the winner. The event is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at 410 Clover Mill Road in Exton, according to the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association, and organizers say it will go on rain or shine, per the Crime Victims' Center of Chester County.
Sixteen Chiefs, One Tip Jar Each
Among the fire-service bartenders is Phoenixville Fire Chief Eamon Brazunas, who is listed as representing the Phoenixville Fire Department. Whoever collects the most tips will earn the title of Best Chief Bartender of Chester County, with tips accepted both online through QR codes and posted links, as well as in person.
The roster of fire chiefs also includes Sergio Ora of East Brandywine Fire Company, Gerry DiNunzio of Good Will Fire Company, Gary Ream of Honey Brook Fire Company, Mike Holmes of Lionville Fire Company, Evan Taylor of Valley Forge Fire Company, Eric Felker of West Grove Fire Company, and John Sly of Westwood Fire Company. On the police side, the lineup features Brendan Brazunas of Downingtown Police Department, Lou Marcelli of Malvern Police Department, Joe Greenwalt of SCCP Police Department, Jim Fisher of Uwchlan Police Department, Curt Martinez of West Caln Police Department, Josh Lee of West Chester Police Department, Mike Carroll of West Goshen Police Department, and Jeff Heim of Willistown Police Department.
A Fundraiser Built on Bragging Rights
This is not the first time these badges have gone behind the bar. The event grew out of a second annual fundraiser held in 2025, according to a LinkedIn post from the Crime Victims' Center, which also used BELFOR Property Restoration in Exton as its venue that September. That earlier competition similarly had chiefs showcasing bartending skills while racing to raise the most tips for CVC.
Several names carry over from last year's lineup, including Brazunas, Taylor, Felker, Holmes and DiNunzio, per the same account. The 2025 event's defending champion, Police Chief Lou Marcelli of Malvern Borough, had won the inaugural competition and returned to defend his title, though this year's outcome has not been reported.
What the Money Supports
Proceeds fund the core mission of the Crime Victims' Center of Chester County, which provides advocacy, counseling, education and support services for survivors of crime and sexual violence, according to the fire chiefs association. The organization offers free, confidential and compassionate support for victims of sexual violence and other crimes, guiding individuals through trauma, recovery and legal processes, and works to prevent violence through community inclusivity, awareness, outreach and education throughout Chester County.
Attendees planning to head to Exton do not need physical tickets — organizers say guests can simply check in using the name of the person who purchased the tickets. As with any evening built around a cash bar, attendees are advised to drink responsibly and have a designated driver.
