WAXHAW - Who knew helping others would have such delicious consequences?

Residents raised $10,908 for an injured police officer while sampling seven different types of barbecue at the Waxhaw cook-off Sunday. The contest was between the Waxhaw police department; Waxhaw public works; Waxhaw volunteer fire department; Butch Kelly of Butts R Us; Red,White and Q BBQ; Nick Novak and Pyro Pigs.

Waxhaw Officer Richard Belk was injured in training and has had several operations to treat the effects of compartment syndrome.

Former Panthers player Dan Morgan, Commissioner Martin Lane and radio personality Keith Larson judged. The fire department won first place, followed by Butch Kelly and Red, White and Q BBQ.

“But the real winner was Officer Belk,” event organizer Lisa Thornton said.

Visitors were asked to make a minimum $5 donation if they ate.

Thornton said the largest donation was $1,000. She said one telling story of the spirit of the day came when a young boy walked up to her.

“He said, ‘I don’t want anything. I just want to give some money to help officer Belk,’” she said. “These are not easy times for anyone. I was shocked that people were so generous.”

Belk first found out he had developed compartment syndrome during police training.

“He was running and his legs started bothering him,” said Police Chief Mike Eiss. “He thought it was shin splints but the next day his leg was swollen up.”

Doctors had to remove muscle in his leg to save it, Eiss said.

Thornton said Belk’s next operation is today and his hospital bills are in the area of $150,000.

She added that they have set up a fund for Belk at BB&T. Donors can make checks payable to the Richard Belk Charitable fund.