Walworth County cop wins doughnut eating world title for third time
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Sgt. Howard Sawyers of the Walworth County Sheriff's Department is world champion in cop doughnut-eating for the third time. He ate 17 doughnuts in three minutes.
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Three plaques celebrating Howard Sawer and his doughnut eating abilities decorate his office at the Walworth County Law Enforcement Center.
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A sign outside Sgt. Howard Sawyers' office hints at his love of the doughnut.
ELKHORN — Some law enforcement officers do it for honor.
Others do it for fame.
There might even be those who do it for money.
Sgt. Howard Sawyers does it for doughnuts.
The sergeant, who trains correctional officers at the Walworth County Jail, is the world's cop doughnut eating champion for the third time.
The 17 doughnuts he downed in three minutes to win this year's championship April 22 also set a cop doughnut-eating record. Sawyers has won the championship more times than anybody—three out of the six annual contests.
Sawyers' career as a doughnut-eating champ began in 2005 at the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association's annual conference in Illinois.
"I had no idea how to eat doughnuts fast," Sawyers said. "Obviously, I'm a big guy and I've eaten some doughnuts in my day.
"But never that many in one sitting."
He had attended the first conference in 2004. He bought a T-shirt and made a donation but wasn't keen on participating.
"Being a big guy, you've got a little bit of an ego, and you don't want to eat the doughnuts," he said.
The second year, Sawyers gave in to his competitive spirit and decided to participate. He scarfed 12 doughnuts in three minutes to take third place.
The following year, he ate 13 and took first place. He won in 2006, took second place in 2007, and took the top prize in both 2008 and 2009.
How does he do it?
"My pattern is going for a really big burrito for lunch that day because the competition is not until nightfall," he said. "By 7 p.m., you're hungry and ready to go."
Corrections Secretary Kathy Loveless, who claims to be Sawyers' biggest fan, said he is always focused and trains year-round.
"His training is not eating until the big event," Loveless said.
But Sawyers is not just about eating doughnuts.
"It's fun because what we're doing is poking fun of ourselves," Sawyers said. "Too many problems that we've had (in law enforcement) have been because of the ego factor. Guys get the fact that we're wearing a badge and we deserve to be respected. You still have to earn respect."
While eating doughnuts might not be the best way to gain said respect, attending the trainers conference gets a little closer to that goal.
The conference gathers worldwide leaders in law enforcement and focuses on the newest training techniques and technologies.
The doughnut-eating contest is a fundraiser, and some of the proceeds go to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C. It also funds scholarships for officers to attend the conference the upcoming year.
Sawyers said this year's contest might be his last. If a contender steps up to his feat, he vowed to return and take the challenge.
As his coach, training Lt. Dave Gerber, pointed out, most legends return when faced with a new record to break.
"Rocky retired and came back," Gerber said.
May 5, 2009 at 3:06 p.m.
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Jeez how did he not get sick, yuckkkk!
May 5, 2009 at 5:30 a.m.
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spark
May 1, 2009 at 11:40 a.m.
Suggest removal MiltonRedmen - You're right. Bring on the negative comments. We need more in this community. We just don't have enough miserable people out there. Amazes me. Life must suck being that bitter all the time
************************************************spark are you suffering ? spark yes you are
May 4, 2009 at 11:23 p.m.
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Or Bacon eaters
May 4, 2009 at 10:05 a.m.
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Bad Boys, Bad Boys, What you going to do, What you going to do when they eat a donut or twenty-two. Good for you Sgt, Don't let the haters break your good hearted spirit.
May 3, 2009 at 8:49 p.m.
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Thanks for a great story. At times like this we need some just plain fun stuff! Now the bad news for Sgt. Sawyers..Cap'n Wiggim of the Springfield Police Dep't. is rumored to be entering the contest next year. Worse yet, he has retained the services of one Homer Simpson as coach/trainer. Sorry Sgt. You're toast!
May 1, 2009 at 6:50 p.m.
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shagcarpet? Personally, as a female, I could be offended by that profile name. g-fan, I am sure you know what I am getting at.
(Oh, and the butt comment, that's something I always say at work when I head for the donuts. I work with 60 other women and don't want to offend someone) :/
May 1, 2009 at 3:34 p.m.
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People give it a rest.
May 1, 2009 at 3:30 p.m.
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Mikki, email the poster and ask what it said.
By the way, tell us about your butt and let us decide.
May 1, 2009 at 3:22 p.m.
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It's so frustrating when they remove comments before I have a chance to read them.
They're usually pretty funny.
Someone just has a stick or a bug somewhere that needs to be removed. Perhaps then their sense of humor will come out.
May 1, 2009 at 2:46 p.m.
May 1, 2009 at 1:42 p.m.
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Gazettefan - "That photo comes mighty close to being like the photo that caused the big ruckus last week."
.
LMAO!! If the donuts hide it, though, does it become less obscene? LOL
May 1, 2009 at 1:31 p.m.
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Mikki good one .
May 1, 2009 at 1:30 p.m.
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.mmmmm........donuts......
May 1, 2009 at 1:29 p.m.
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If you get stoped by this officer make sure you have a box of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts .
May 1, 2009 at 1:03 p.m.
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Ya MiltonRedmen, you completely lost me on that one. Good attempt and trying to turn it around though. I'll give you credit for that.
May 1, 2009 at 12:29 p.m.
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I disagree MiltonRedmen. Sparks' comment was sarcastic, whereas the posts on which he was commenting were "bitter".
May 1, 2009 at 12:27 p.m.
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Well said Sparks!
May 1, 2009 at 12:23 p.m.
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You seem just as bitter about her comment as you believe she is about the story.
May 1, 2009 at 11:49 a.m.
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I'm thinking of sending this story to a friend of mine in Chicago. But he's a cop and I don't want him to shoot me.
May 1, 2009 at 11:41 a.m.
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That photo comes mighty close to being like the photo that caused the big ruckus last week.
Good thing there's donuts!
May 1, 2009 at 11:40 a.m.
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MiltonRedmen - You're right. Bring on the negative comments. We need more in this community. We just don't have enough miserable people out there. Amazes me. Life must suck being that bitter all the time.
May 1, 2009 at 11:36 a.m.
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Spark - no one is ruining the story by speaking their opinion. The story is what it is and people are allowed to blog as they wish - positive or negative.
May 1, 2009 at 11:34 a.m.
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1. I'd love to see how many people commenting on his physique or running ability are willing to make a face-to-face comment to a man with a Taser t-shirt.
2. I would kill to have those plaques.. I could also 18 donuts in 3 minutes but something tells me that he's gonna eat 19 next year. Rock on..
May 1, 2009 at 11:04 a.m.
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I like donuts. My butt isn't as big as I want it to get, yet.
Where do I sign up?
May 1, 2009 at 10:43 a.m.
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How disgusting
May 1, 2009 at 10:36 a.m.
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i also was going to make a statement about a health concern, but nothing as rude as some of the comments that i read, he raised money for a fund raiser,so leave him alone, and as far as his family and fellow co-workers be proud they probably are. he had to know he was going to take some heat from this from the holier than thou in janesville,im sure the sargent dont make this an everyday thing,there is alot of doom and gloom these days, so before you type, think,and try to say something nice. thanks for participating in a fund raiser.
May 1, 2009 at 10:15 a.m.
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hannah - seriously, take it for what it's worth and let it go. Stop ruining the story.
May 1, 2009 at 10:12 a.m.
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okay i am postitive- to see this in person would be gross.
May 1, 2009 at 10:12 a.m.
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yes i see the pic is a cake donut BUT were all 17 cake donuts? and no it wouldnt be funny to watch it would be nasty to watch.
I am not being negative just sharing my opinion of this is gross. yes it is for a good cause but still gross and wouldnt want to see it live.
May 1, 2009 at 10:01 a.m.
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I love a good doughnut!! Especially dunkin donuts apple fritter(not really a doughnut but good!) Congrats!!
May 1, 2009 at 8:55 a.m.
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Congratulations Sgt. Sawyers. You had fun, got some free food & helped raise some money.
I also think a competition open to the public would be fun to see & would raise even more money. Cops vs. the public.
Would also be a good way for local donut companies / bakeries to market themselves.
May 1, 2009 at 8:33 a.m.
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God you people are pathetic. Absolutely pathetic. You can't even appreciate the story and what it was about. You have to immediately start making rude comments and insult this gentleman. Go have your annual prude club meeting and leave everyone else alone.
May 1, 2009 at 8:31 a.m.
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LOL I love this article!!!
May 1, 2009 at 8:19 a.m.
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OH!!! By the WAY to all you haters, HAPPY MAY DAY! Remember, now, May day is all about KINDNESS! :o)
May 1, 2009 at 8:18 a.m.
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RR...I don't even think I could do the 440 in an hour. LOL. Running is for the birds! I like to walk leisurely and enjoy the scenery. (OK...so I can't run...)
May 1, 2009 at 8:14 a.m.
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>>>>>shaking my head. Some of you people are just priceless! Is life really that miserable that you need to pick at ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING? Urgh! If you were in my life I'd kick you all to the curb! Get some sunshine.
May 1, 2009 at 8:10 a.m.
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Sawyer said it all in the article; ""It's fun because what we're doing is poking fun of ourselves,"...
Well done.
May 1, 2009 at 8:08 a.m.
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OMG!!!! This is hilarious! I needed that laugh to get my day started! I wish I could eat that many donuts without feeling guilty. ((sigh)) Great job Sarg! We all need notoriety for something!! :)
May 1, 2009 at 7:55 a.m.
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Obee-one...The morons are strong in this thread. Give the guy a break, so he ate doughnuts for charity...This has absolutly nothing to do with Noggi's fit and slim spectacular body that was offered a photo shoot in Playgirl. I'll bet at one point Sports Illustrated was gonna cancel their summer edition and feature just him. 6'3, 235lbs....I'll bet the Athletic Club wouldn't even give you a membership because you'd make them look bad. I'm glad there are people out there such as yourself to keep these forum trolls inline and call people out. Perfection is one of the things that we all can strive for, but when it comes down to it, your the only one that appears to have accomplished that. Congrats man. Thanks for making this blog what it is..Now go crawl back under your over-sized rock, which, I'm sure also won the World Rock Star Championship.
May 1, 2009 at 7:01 a.m.
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Bet he can do the 440 in a hour and a half .
May 1, 2009 at 6:59 a.m.
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Um, gee, I planned on posting a comment like, "Thank you Gazette for the uplifting article about a fun way to raise money for a worthy cause". But after reading the comments here, my comment would kind of look out of place.
May 1, 2009 at 6:05 a.m.
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>>>>Oh and by the way luluberry_0891~ I'm 6'3" and 235 lbs, so what do ya have to say now? Yup, Thats what I thought, so now what? When and Where?<<<<<
Is this a threat to do bodily harm?
May 1, 2009 at 2:49 a.m.
May 1, 2009 at 2:43 a.m.
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How about having this contest every year and open it up to the public? Have an entry fee and do it all for charit. To the ones asking, if you look they are Cake Doughnuts..... I'll put myself down for 18-20 in the 3 minutes! answer the challenge!!!!!!! Or do I have to become A Cop to give back to this cause?
May 1, 2009 at 12:33 a.m.
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I'm sure all these people posting about how fat this person is are all in fit shape... Right?
May 1, 2009 at 12:18 a.m.
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Well.
That's gross.
May 1, 2009 at 12:03 a.m.
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Haters. Enough with the "Chin's" and "5k runs." What the hell have you done lately?
Apr 30, 2009 at 10:38 p.m.
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Great work, Sgt. Sawyers! I envy your spirit and hope you come back for another competition. P.S. I love the plaques!
Apr 30, 2009 at 10:05 p.m.
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Excellent doughtnut eating, Sarge. It is good to see the sense of humor and the humility displayed. And it's for a good cause, good going!
Apr 30, 2009 at 9:50 p.m.
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Sure, there are “healthier” ways to raise money for good causes but come on; this is a way to raise money by playing on the ‘cops eating donuts cliché’.
“It’s fun because what we're doing is poking fun of ourselves," Sawyers said.
It is a wonderful demonstration of self effacing humor. Thank you, Mr. Sawyers and all who participated in this worthy cause.
Oh! I forgot to mention, there will be a cholesterol screening at 11 AM tomorrow. (Just kidding)-----the screening is actually at 8 AM. LOL
Apr 30, 2009 at 9:13 p.m.
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Not to mention Sawyers is a class act.
Apr 30, 2009 at 9:12 p.m.
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5k walk/run? BORING!!!!!!! Big guy stuffin his face with dounuts? HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Apr 30, 2009 at 9:08 p.m.
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Something tells me he doesn't catch too many criminals on foot!
Apr 30, 2009 at 8:10 p.m.
Apr 30, 2009 at 7:31 p.m.
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Practice makes perfect!
Apr 30, 2009 at 6:42 p.m.
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Amen Latinmami2. Who cares HOW money is raised when it is for a good cause? No one was hurt and it is family friendly.
I love it when all the perfect people out there comment on everyone else's lives...ever hear the one about people in glass houses?
Apr 30, 2009 at 6:38 p.m.
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Really are people that bitter that they have to find fault in a fundraiser that was fun for the people involved? There is so much hate in this world that when we do get great stories with happy endings that we should not be coming up with such negative things to say about them.
Apr 30, 2009 at 6:25 p.m.
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I don't care if it is a fundraiser or not! Aren't there better, healthier ways to raise funds, like perhaps a 5k walk/run!
Apr 30, 2009 at 6:21 p.m.
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sounds like fun and this is a great story nice to read something fun since there has been so much sadness in the paper this last week
Apr 30, 2009 at 6:14 p.m.
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its a fundraiser people get over it , and leave the guy alone ,
Apr 30, 2009 at 5:58 p.m.
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Gotta love it
Apr 30, 2009 at 5:37 p.m.
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is there a fourth chin on it`s way in
Apr 30, 2009 at 5:35 p.m.
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I'm a big guy myself, so I feel justified in hoping that next year, the contest sponsors some diabetes education.
Apr 30, 2009 at 5:32 p.m.
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yes really something to be proud of. were they raised or cake??? that just makes me gag thinking about it.
Apr 30, 2009 at 5:05 p.m.
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His family and fellow employees must be proud. I assume that he is'nt working on the street.
Apr 30, 2009 at 5:03 p.m.
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Go get em Howie!
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