First Responders Fire Up Griddle for Fundraiser

Nutritionists say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It can also be the most fun when recreational cooks show off their skills with a griddle and frying pan.

Cooks who enjoy creating meals in the kitchen often have a dose of pride in their recipe, like the proverbial fish story that gets bigger each telling. In January, cooks from local fire, medical and law enforcement agencies will be testing their kitchen skills against each other in a breakfast cook-off.

The Jan. 26 event, a “throw-down breakfast cook-off,” will benefit the CERT team.

Randy Haddix was passionate about the CERT team and keeping it well supplied, according to Medical Air Rescue Company (MARC )Basic Manager/Flight Paramedic Shannon Odiet.

“He had this vision he wanted to get certain things,” he said.

When Haddix died, authorities looked for ways to continue his vision. One of his goals was a tent, a temporary facility when responding to an emergency.

“It's going to be used for firefighter rehab,” said Emergency Management Coordinator Ron Leal.

Leal said the county has a tent, but it is not of the quality needed. The tent will cost about $8,000, according to Odiet. Odiet said MARC is donating $1,500 toward the effort. Leal said the tent they want is 15 feet by 18 feet and made of a durable material.

The breakfast showdown is planned for 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Jan. 26 at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds. In case of weather, the event will be moved to Feb. 9. The public will be invited to take part in the breakfast and judge which team produced the best meal. Cost is expected to be $8 per person. Odiet said if the event is well-received, it might become an annual event.