On the first Sunday of each month, the Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department hosts a pancake breakfast to raise money to support its many services.

Abigail Kittleson works on a craft at the AVFRD pancake breakfast. (Photo by Barbara Murphy)

I took the kids there for breakfast this past Sunday.

We loved the pancakes, eggs and bacon of course, but my girls truly enjoyed climbing through the ambulance, the firetruck, and seeing the setup of a working firehouse.

At AVFRD, fund-raising efforts like these account for 45 percent of the department's income, said Sgt. Barbara Murphy.

Loudoun has 17 volunteer fire and rescue companies around the county and because of the nearly 1,400 fire, rescue, and administrative volunteers, taxpayers are saved some $14 million a year.

Firefighter Frank Kromholz volunteers in the kitchen, as well. (Photo by Erica Garman)

Murphy said that in order to meet the demands of growth in Ashburn, the department is stepping up its recruitment efforts.

"We currently staff two stations and by the end of 2009, we'll have a third station in the Lansdowne area," she said. "It takes time to provide a volunteer with the proper training, so we are now busy getting folks processed and enrolled in EMT or firefighter classes."

Murphy, a resident of Ashburn, has been a volunteer with AVFRD for 15 years. "It's a commitment, but it is so rewarding," she said.

The next pancake breakfast will be June 1 from 8 a.m. to noon -- it's a Father's Day celebration, so bring dad along.

Pancakes, bacon, and eggs. Oh my! (Photo by Erica Garman)

AVFRD is also hosting an Open House & Family Day on Sunday, May 18 from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring a rescue helicopter, moon bounce, fire truck rides, a safety smokehouse, and station tours.

To locate the volunteer fire and rescue department closest to you, and learn about their fundraising and recruitment efforts, click here.

Thank you for your service, Loudoun Fire and Rescue.

"I can think of no more stirring symbol of man's humanity to man than a fire engine." -- Kurt Vonnegut