The Menlo Park Fire Department held its 26th Annual Pancake Breakfast at the Menlo Park Fire Protection District HQ on Saturday morning. Community members gathered for delicious pancakes, fun games, and interactive firefighting simulations. Locals of all ages came to indulge in the food, face painting, and other family-friendly activities.
“They do such a good job, and it’s such a lovely community event. It’s for everyone, the seniors and youngsters,” community member Annalisa Salter said.
Firefighters flipped pancakes and passed out a variety of fruit and beverages in front of the fire station, including Mickey Mouse pancakes for the younger kids.
Kids dressed up in firefighter costumes, took pictures with the fire trucks, and got to experience what it was like to be a firefighter for the day. Adults also had the opportunity to meet local firefighters and talk to them.
“It’s a really nice way to connect with our community,” Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen said. “I like seeing all the kids so happy. Looking at the fire engines, it’s just so exciting for them. It reminds me too, this is really cool—all the stuff we get to do.”
One of the morning’s key highlights was the firefighter demonstration. Firefighters showcased the equipment they use on the job. They also simulated saving a person from a building using a crane and saving someone from a car crash. The demonstrations ended with firefighters allowing kids to try out the hoses.
“Kids love checking out the fire station and being able to come inside,” Salter said.
For some longtime community members, the event is a family tradition. “My dad was a fire captain here, so it feels like family,” community member Sandra Pachaud said.
Firefighter Alex Perlstein credits events like the pancake breakfast with allowing firefighters to meet residents outside of emergency situations. “It’s really great for us to see our community and bring people together,” he said. “We’re not a separate organization that you never interact with until it’s the worst day you’ve had.”
Local businesses and volunteers also played a key role in supporting the event. “We have a lot of community support. Meta contributes. Trader Joe’s, the Stanford Park Hotel, and a number of businesses all help. And then we have a variety of volunteers and community members that are doing the face painting. So, it’s the concept that it takes a village,” Lorenzen said.
“They do a heck of a job, they really put Menlo Park on the map as being one of the fire districts that is at the forefront of education,” Salter said.
