NEW KNOXVILLE – The public is invited to meet the firefighters and hear about new innovations at the New Knoxville Fire Department all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast Sunday, Oct. 14, from 7 am to 1 pm. The cost is $7 per adult and $5 per child 8 and under. Proceeds go to the New Knoxville Fire Association for the purchase of new fire equipment and training.

Fire Captain Ben Wessel said the event will allow visitors to get their picture taken in fire gear and to check out the fire trucks.

Also, they will explain the capabilities of the department’s new Active 911 software which allows the department to track personnel and equipment during emergency calls.

“For example,” said Wessel, “For example, we can see when individual firefighters will arrive at the station.

“Through the use of two new tablets, we can access maps locating fire hydrants and ponds and immediately locate where at truck is during a run,” he said. The tablets were acquired through a Midwest Electric grant.

Wessel said that this event also lets the community members and fire personnel to become familiar with each other, saying that he wants the department has taken on new members in the last five years that people might not know.

“In an emergency quick recognition of community members might be essential,” he said.

Finally, Wessel hopes that the information they offer might generate interest in volunteering for the department. He says the work is meaningful and rewarding.

The fire department is located at in the village administration building at 101 S. Main St.