Florida fireman has nation's top mustache

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ST. LOUIS, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- A Florida firefighter's soup-strainer was named the country's top mustache at the "Stache Bash" in Missouri.

Brian Sheets of Orlando, who works as a firefighter, emergency medical technician and EMT instructor for the Central Florida Fire Academy in Kissimmee, was named the top mustachioed American in an online poll, gathering 22 percent of the 500,000 votes, WKMG-TV, Orlando, reported Wednesday.

The American Mustache Institute, which organized the competition and the St. Louis "Stash Bash" where the award was given, said Sheets' facial hair was picked over more famous mustaches on the faces of celebrities including Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, Minnesota Twins pitcher Carl Pavano and North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven.

Sheets was named the "Robert Goulet Memorial Mustached American of the Year" and awarded with a $3 crown.

The "Stash Bash" raised money for a charity dedicated to fighting cancers affecting men.