The . fed 801 Attleboro residents during its 20th annual community breakfast on Saturday morning.
A breakfast of eggs, pancakes, sausage and toast complimented with coffee and juice was prepared and served by the AFD to Attleboro’s old and young in an effort to reach out to the community. The breakfast was free thanks to the Union who paid for supplies and food and local businesses and organizations that pitched in including, Attleboro Elks , Norton Rental and Trimark.
Many people in the community threw money into an over-sized firefighter’s boot labeled “Fireworks Donations.” All of the donations will go to the city’s Fourth of July fireworks display.
“Whenever you talk to anyone in the public they love this day–it’s really good for everybody,” Attleboro Fire Chief Scott Lachance said.
Michael Lynch and Sandy Miller, both of Attleboro, sat and enjoyed their breakfast with others in the community.
“It’s fabulous to get the community together like this,” Lynch said.
“And the food is delicious,” Miller said. “I went up for seconds.”
“It’s humbling to see the community come out each year and we are really touched by it,” Attleboro Firefighter Stephen Marcotte said.
Marcotte along with Paul Jacques and Ray Slater were behind the scene of organizing the event, but it was made possible by the dozens of volunteers.
“It really is a group effort and we are just the book ends that hold it together,” Marcotte said. “Without the support the active and retired firefighters and the support of the chief, the union and the community this wouldn’t happen.
Retired Attleboro firefighter Joe Parente said he started the event in 1992 as a way to reach out to the community because there “always seemed to be a disconnect between the city and public officials.”
“I thought it was a good idea to get people in and talk to them and to have the opportunity to have them see what we do and to see the equipment,” Parente said. ”
In its first year, the fire department served 400 people and that number jumped to about 1,000 the following year.
“It’s certainly gone on far beyond what I had ever expected,” Parente said.
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