Colby Fire Department Packs the House for Annual Pancake Feed
April 18, 2026
The smell of pancakes and the sound of conversation filled the Colby Fire Station on the morning of April 18 as the Colby Fire Department welcomed the community for its annual Pancake Feed, a long-standing tradition that once again drew a full house.
Held from 7 a.m. to noon, the event transformed the firehouse into a gathering place, with rows of tables and chairs set up among the department’s fleet of fire trucks. Residents from across the community filed through the doors, forming long lines that at times stretched through the station as firefighters worked steadily to keep up with demand.
Despite the steady rush, the atmosphere remained relaxed and upbeat. Guests were rewarded for their patience with a classic breakfast of pancakes, sausage patties, coffee, water, and tang, all served by members of the department. The team started the morning with six cases of sausage, cooking roughly 50 patties at a time as they worked to keep plates full.
As the crowd continued to grow, the department adapted on the fly. At one point, a fire truck was moved out of the station to create additional space for seating, allowing even more community members to sit down and enjoy their meals together. The adjustment reflected the department’s ability to respond not only in emergencies, but also in moments of community connection.
Families and friends shared breakfast while surrounded by the equipment that serves them year-round. Fire trucks stood just feet away from dining tables, offering a unique backdrop and a reminder of the role the department plays in the community’s safety.
Adding to the experience, the department’s mascot made appearances throughout the morning, stopping to take photos and interact with children and attendees. The presence helped create a family-friendly environment and added a personal touch to the event.
Beyond the meal, the morning also offered an educational opportunity. Recently retired volunteer Fire Captain Dwayne Plumisto led tours for those interested in learning more about the inner workings of the firehouse. During the tours, Plumisto shared insights into the department’s operations, history, and equipment, highlighting the coordination and communication required to respond effectively to emergencies.
He explained how calls are routed through local dispatch and how crews are organized to ensure coverage, noting that the department operates with both city and rural responsibilities. Plumisto also emphasized the importance of teamwork and trust among firefighters, describing the profession as a brotherhood built on reliability and shared responsibility.
Tour participants were guided through training areas, equipment setups, and apparatus bays, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep the department prepared. The experience offered a deeper appreciation for the level of training and dedication required of both full-time and volunteer firefighters.
The annual Pancake Feed once again proved to be more than just a fundraiser or a meal. It served as a bridge between the fire department and the community it protects, giving residents an opportunity to connect with firefighters in a relaxed setting while learning more about their work.
As the final plates were served and the last guests filtered out, the event stood as another successful example of Colby’s strong sense of community—one built not just in times of need, but around shared tables and simple moments together.