Arcadia Firefighters' Pancake Breakfast Draws Thousands of Hungry Locals

It was a busy Saturday morning for Arcadia firefighters as they flipped pancakes for nearly 3,000 locals at the annual . The belly of Arcadia Fire Department Station 106, located near the , was filled with tables of hungry patrons enjoying an all-American breakfast of unlimited pancakes, sausages, orange juice, milk and coffee for just five bucks.

“If we can eat a bunch of pancakes to help out, we will do our part,” said Adriana Valencia, who traveled with her family from Eagle Rock to support Arcadia firefighters.

Many different groups in the community played a part in staging the annual event, which is now in its second decade. About 30 volunteers from Boy Scout Troop 111 cleaned tables and filled syrup bottles, while cadets from Verdugo Fire Academy led kids through the fire challenge and volunteers from the Arcadia Recreation and Community Services Department also lent helping hands.

A few generous individuals also went above and beyond to help. Arcadia resident Harry Scolinas, who usually donates golf games for the raffle, made a few calls and got Farmer John to donate 3,000 sausages when the usual vendor could not donate this year.

“It’s just a great event, really helps support the community and shows their support of us, too. It’s a good bonding experience for both of us,” said AFD Capt. Todd Morehead, who ran the event during its early days.

The many smiling kids in the crowd were delighted to be served Mickey Mouse pancakes by their favorite heroes and dress up as firefighters to run through their own mini fire obstacle course. A jumper, face painting and art table were also means of entertainment. In addition to playing on the fire engines, kids got to see a SWAT car, showcased by .

Booths were set up selling raffles and T-shirts, as well as representing different organizations in town, including the , , Chamber of Commerce, Public Works and the APD to name a few.

From donations and sales, the Arcadia Firefighter's Association expects to raise between $8,000 to $12,000. 

“The money goes to our association and to all the charities we fund,” said fireman Joel Rodas of truck 105. Methodist Hospital, Children’s Hospital, Relay for Life and St. Baldricks are among the many organizations that will benefit from the money raised.

This is Rodas’s first year as leader of the event, although he has had other important tasks in the past as a reserve.

“Normally, I’m just the guy serving pancakes,” he said with a chuckle, sounding pleased at a job, and breakfast, well done. 

For a photo gallery of the event, click here.

Correction: In an earlier version of this article, Patch misspelled the name of fireman Joel Rodas. We regret the error.