SOFD axes pancake fundraiser

HOPE — Sam Owen Fire District’s annual pancake breakfast has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“With an expected annual attendance of over 700 people and crowded indoor seating, it is impossible to provide a safe environment for our guests,” Eileen Klatt, SOFD public information officer, said.

Klatt said it will be the first time since 2003 that the fire district and its volunteers have not held the popular community event.

“Summer won’t be the same without serving pancakes to everyone in our community,” she added. “Hopefully, we can resume the event next year.”

Sam Owen Fire District’s volunteer staff is made up of local residents of various ages and backgrounds, including CPAs, pilots, attorneys, medics, insurance brokers, stock brokers, builders, bakers and candlestick makers. They are trained and equipped for both structure and wildlands firefighting.

Firefighters train three times a month to hone their skills and keep up on the most current methods. The volunteers have either completed or are completing the nationally recognized Essentials 1 training course for fire personnel. In addition, a number of the volunteers are qualified EMTs and others have completed training in first aid, life support, rescue and extrication.

A number of the Sam Owen Fire and Rescue first responders also volunteer for Clark Fork Valley Ambulance. Sam Owen Fire Co-chiefs Stu Eigler and Tim Scofield are EMTs and first responders for both Sam Owen Fire and Clark Fork Valley Ambulance. SOFD firefighter Cecil Jensen volunteers as a driver for CFVA and as a firefighter for Clark Fork Fire. Jean and Austin Theander both serve as firefighters and EMTs for SOFD and as EMTs for CFVA. EMT Tatiana Holborn volunteers for both organizations.

Sam Owen Fire District maintains two fire stations. Station 1 in Hope is the center of operations and a smaller Station 2 is in Trestle Creek. With several fully equipped fire engines and rescue vehicles, SOFD officials have said the district is able to respond to any fire or emergency situation.

Since the event is the SOFD’s only fundraiser, the fire district is seeking donations to help purchase much-needed safety equipment for the firefighters. Normally, funds raised during the pancake feast would go toward those costs, Klatt said.

“Monies raised are greatly appreciated and a significant source of revenue for the district,” she said. “Even though we can’t feed you breakfast this year, we welcome any donations from our residents and supporters.”

Donations can be send to: Sam Owen Fire District, Box 344, Hope, ID 83836

To learn more about the Sam Owen Fire District, its services or volunteer opportunities, contact the district’s co-fire chiefs, Tim Scofield or Stu Eigler at 208-264-5745 or via email at sofd@wow-tel.net .

Caroline Lobsinger can be reached by email at clobsinger@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @CarolDailyBee.