When I Grow Up....

When we are not training, PTing, or running calls, we have other things to occupy our time. Sometimes that "thing" is called a "Pub Ed" (short for Public Education). We had the opportunity to show some children and their parents around the station today. This was prearranged through the station officers and we knew about it well in advance. The game plan was to show approximately 5 preschoolers around the station, letting them see and climb into the engine, and showing a firefighter in full gear (read "ME") so they can see what we look like and become comfortable with us. Let's face it, we have this mask on and sound like Darth Vader when we are on air. "Take my hand, I will show you the dark side Luke."

I never once heard some child look up to and say they aspired to be a baggage handler. It felt amazing (as corny as it sounds) to see these little kids (one especially) that were amazed to be in the presence of REAL FIREMEN!!







For lunch, we had burgers. These were not just any burgers....they are some of the Lieutenant's MONSTER BURGERS!! The sheer size of these things is ridiculous. Looking at them practically makes you sick....and eating the entire thing definitely makes you sick. It is probably 3/4 of a pound of meet, with cheese and grilled onions in the middle. (Take one large patty and top with cheese and grilled onions. Top with another patty and use MORE meat to press together and fill the gap between the two.) They are so big it takes TWO spatulas to flip them!!!







....and the prankster strikes again. This time placing something on the shoulder of an unknowing Chef. The Chef turns around to see what this heavy object is that is now suddenly resting there. As he turns his face, all he sees is a giant loin roast!!