Top 10 Stories: Dancing Firefighters

It's been a crazy year. Redondo Beach Patch writers were busy writing about homicides, television episodes and dancing firefighters, among other topics. Here is the No. 7 story of the year, chosen by popularity and editorial discretion.

'We (No Longer) Cook Our Food in a Hopeless Place' (No. 7)

When Redondo Beach Fire Department Division Chief Steve Hyink entered the "Rescue Remodel" contest in the Family Handyman magazine, he had no idea that within six months, Fire Station No. 1 would have a brand-new kitchen, as well as remodeled living quarters, bathrooms and library.

The Rescue Remodel contest offered a $25,000 remodel from IKEA to the fire station that received the most votes over a several-week period. Redondo Beach was one of five finalists to make it to the voting phase.

In an effort to get the word out about the contest, firefighter Jeremy Sisante and a couple of his coworkers—and with a little help from Sisante's younger brother—put together a music video that became a smash hit. The original "We Cook Our Food in a Hopeless Place" (sung to Rihanna's "We Found Love") video was viewed more than 40,000 times.

Though Redondo Beach ultimately did not win, Torrance-based organization Sharefest raised the money and gave the fire station a remodel worth $250,000.

"Although we didn't win, we turned out to be a winner, anyway," said then-Chief Dan Madrigal at the time.

Related:

• New Fire Station Kitchen Is 'Awesome'
• Donations Sought for Fire Station Project
• Fire Station to Get New Kitchen After All
• Fire Station Needs 'Rescue Remodel'
• Photos: Fire Station Needs New Kitchen
• Firefighters Dance for Kitchen Remodel
• Help Fire Station Win Kitchen Remodel

To view this year's other top stories, click here.