Bragging rights once again belong to the men of the Wareham Fire Department, who have chili cooking down to a science, secret ingredients and all.

Wareham took home the People's Choice Award at the 10th annual Firefighter Chili Challenge in Hyannis on Sunday.

"It tasted like what real chili is supposed to taste like," said Robin Rowley, wife of Wareham firefighter Andy Rowley.

Rowley said that, although she might be biased, the Wareham chili was the best.

"I'm a super picky eater. It wasn't too hot or mushy or salty. It was the best," she said.

Seventeen fire departments competed for the top spot in two award categories: Chef's Award and People's Choice.

A panel of five chefs was given samples of each department's chili to determine the Chef's Award. The People's Choice Award is voted on by the attendees, who pay $15 for bottomless chili bowls and live entertainment. All the proceeds from the event benefitted the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Wareham Firefighter Chippy DeBlois said that, in the nine years Wareham has competed in the contest, the department has won the Chef's Award twice and the People's Choice Award three times.

He said that going over the bridge to Cape Cod and getting votes can be hard since a lot of people vote for the more local departments. But, he added, "We brought a lot of people with us this year."

"It used to just be departments on the Cape, but now they come in from all over the state," said Wareham firefighter Dave Walsh.

This year's competition drew fire departments from as far away as Braintree and Shrewsbury.

But after the people voted, it was Wareham on top.

"They put a lot of work and a lot of love into it every year," Rowley said.

Did the Wareham Week reporter get a taste?I did -- and can give it my personal seal of approval.

I could tell you what the secret ingredient is too, but then I'd have to . . . you know.