Wayzata Fire Dept. holds pancake breakfast fundraiser for fallen officer

WAYZATA, Minn. (KMSP) - Hundreds lined up for breakfast at the Wayzata Fire Department, as part of a fundraiser for the family of Officer Bill Mathews. Mathews was struck and killed by a car on Sept. 8, while picking up debris on Highway 12.

The fire department’s fundraiser is an annual event, but members decided to make a change this year.

“Once the accident happened and everything went on, we decided as a fire department that we were going to donate all of the proceeds from the pancake breakfast and the raffle,” said Kevin Klapprich, Chief of the Wayzata Fire Department.

Community members said they felt compelled to do their part.

“They’re friends and neighbors of ours and we just wanted to let them know in any way we can that we as well as hundreds, if not thousands of other people, care a lot about them and we’re here for them,” said Adam Lundgren, who attended with his family.

First responders from across the region also attended the event, an extension of the support provided to Wayzata during a difficult week.

“It could have been any of our people,” Klapprich said. “It can be a dangerous job. Whether it’s the police side or the fire side, either one, it can be dangerous, especially out on the highway.”

Mathews leaves behind a wife and 7-year-old son.

The proceeds benefit the memorial fund set up after Mathews’ death.