After mixing batter for 30 years worth of pancake breakfasts, John Gannon is hanging up his apron and beater. The annual pancake breakfast has been held on Palm Sunday since Gannon started it during his tenure as fire chief. “I retired about five years ago [from the fire department],” said Gannon at the event this past Sunday. “So it’s about time I give this up, too.” “Thirty years is enough,” he added. Gannon (pictured at right) carefully but exuberantly mixed his very last bowl of pancake batter Sunday. There may have been a touch of relief mixed with the milk and eggs. Gannon has passed the beater to Ron Daniels and Aaron Knaus, who were working all morning with him in the kitchen Sunday. Members of the Kimball Area Fire and Rescue Department are all volunteers. They receive training throughout the year, are on call 24 hours a day, and serve Kimball and surrounding communities. The annual breakfast is the primary fundraiser for the department, and all proceeds are used to purchase needed equipment. Sunday’s breakfast had a record attendance of 1,038, surpassing their 2005 record year by one. In a town of just over 600 people, it shows the tremendous support the community has for its volunteer fire and rescue department. Thank you, volunteer firefighters for all you do all year long. Thank you, families and community, for your support of these individuals. And thank you, John, for 30 years of great pancakes!
