Travis AFB welcomes Solano & Sutter County Sheriff’s Office BBQ Cook-off Published May 30, 2025 By Senior Airman Robert Nichols 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- As the smell of roasted meats and spices filled the air, Airmen and police officers shared laughs and stories over barbecue sauce and beans during the first ever California State Sheriff’s Association BBQ Competition. This all started with a discussion about who’s barbecue was best, said Sheriff Brandon Barnes, Sutter County Sheriff’s Office. “It sparked the idea of bringing some of the sheriff offices together and doing a friendly competition to see where our talents lie in barbecue,” said Barnes. “Then it was like, who are we going to feed? With the base being right here, it made perfect sense to honor the military and take care of the people that defend our country.” After putting out word through the 58 counties under the California State Sheriff’s Association umbrella, eight sheriff offices responded to the call and showed up with tongs and aprons to throw down the barbecue gauntlet. As Airmen and civilians working on Travis AFB showed up en masse ready to eat and make their decisions on who would be crowned barbecue king, Barnes’ focus was service to others. “At the end of the day, it’s really about giving back and coming together as a law enforcement community and serving another community that’s part of all our hearts,” said Barnes. “We’re all very patriotic people and dedicated to providing services to our communities and to our country.” Barnes hopes to bring the sheriffs back next year to make this a yearly event.