Community Corner

Firefighters Flip Pancakes, Serve Seniors, Build Community Spirit

Firefighters from Oak Forest manned their griddles to entertain senior citizens and chamber members Thursday, April 21.

Oak Forest firefighters responded to a different type of call Thursday, April 21—a mission to flip some flapjacks.

The firefighters, in coordination with the Oak Forest Senior Commission, served almost 200 chamber members and senior citizens during their annual pancake brunch, with fresh food and hospital cooked up by the firefighters themselves.

And Oak Forest resident Lee Zychowski chipped in, too.

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Each year, the former restaurant owner mixes up as much as 48 quarts of her biscuits and gravy, "made with love."

"All the older firemen are kids to me," Zychowski said. "I fed them at my restaurant."

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Before the senior citizens, the firefighters served Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce members. Members of the sixth- and seventh-grade boys basketball team from Hille Middle School circulated the room, pouring fresh coffee throughout the morning. The senior commission followed up the brunch with a game of Bingo.

The event helps build trust and cooperation between the fire department and the people they serve. Check out our footage from the event.


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