Published: January 18, 2009 08:22 am      

Panckake supper set to benefit Gage Volunteer Fire Department

Homemade pancakes and biscuits and gravy appeal to many people who enjoy a good get together and an opportunity to sample tasty food.

So, it is the hope of Gage Volunteer Fire Department Chief Leon Woods that many people will take part in the Third Annual Groundhog Day Pancake and Biscuits and Gravy Supper set for 5 p.m., Jan. 31, at the Tom Peer Community Center in Gage.

It will be held to raise money for bunker gear worn by Gage firefighters. There is no set fee to attend the supper -- just a donation.

“Bunker gear is protective equipment that consists of a coat, helmet, gloves, boots and pants,” Woods said. “Our current bunker gear is 25 years old and no longer meets the National Fire Protection Association’s safety requirements.”

The gear costs $1,600 per firefighter.

“Over the past few years, we have been busy responding to not only local calls, but assisting surrounding fire departments,” Woods said. “Within the past year alone, we have made more than 100 fire, medical and rescue calls,” Woods said. “This has put a great deal of wear and tear on our gear and equipment.”

The fire department is a member of the Sweetwater Creek Firefighters Association, which allows it to form a county wide strike team.

Being a member of the association makes it possible to give and receive aid across county and state lines, Woods said.

This marks the third year Gage firefighters have held a pancake supper to benefit their department.

“We just decided to start doing it after the United Methodist Church in Gage stopped doing it,” Woods said.

The Gage Volunteer Fire Department is one of the oldest in Ellis County.

It was established 95 years ago by a group of volunteers who saw a need to protect the community and the central part of the county.

Through hard work by local volunteers and support from the public, the department now has 17 members supported by three 6-by-6 trucks, three 1-ton grass rigs, two stationary pumpers, a rescue unit and a command unit.

“We sincerely appreciate the continued support,” Woods said.