The pancakes and sausages sold at the annual breakfast benefit for the Kalona Volunteer Fire Department aren’t merely food. They are a key source of funds that have helped the department obtain everything from a truck to a siren.

This year’s breakfast is set for Saturday, March 27, from 6 a.m.- 1 p.m. Tickets are $4 for adults and $2 for children (12 years or younger).

“It is the only fund raiser that the department does,” said Fire Chief Steve Yotty.

This year, the funds will help with the purchase of a large portable generator.

“We don’t know what Y2K will do, if anything, but we have to be prepared,” said Yotty. He added that having any kind of backup for emergency services is always a good move.

Regardless of the possible computer problems that some have predicted will shut down everything, “there are still storms and other problems.”

The new generator will provide the capability to operate a warning system, as well as be moved to other sites.

The department has smaller units that have been used in the community previously, especially last summer when electrical service was out from hours to days, depending on locations.

The June 29 storm last year proved that being prepared is a good idea, he noted, explaining that “there is a backup system for the sewer. That was put in years ago. The city will have backup for the water plant with the generator its getting. It’s just a wise move for the department to be ready, too.”

Equally important is maintaining fire fighting equipment.

“We obtained a new truck in 1985, then another in 1990 and a third in 1995,” Yotty said. “On that schedule we will be looking at replacing another one in about 2000-2001.”

At this time he could not estimate the costs or what type of truck it would be. However, he agreed that it is important that the department have long range planning.

Last year’s fund raiser set a record for attendance.