Gettin' down and dirty!!!

So, another monday evening goes by and yet more maintenance on our engine at the volunteer department I run with. This time, our intake valve. Sounds easy?? Far from easy this chore was. After removing it from the engine, we went to our tool room and went to work. The problem: a pain in the ass to open and close. The solution: lots, and lots of grease/oil. First we used PB Blaster thinking it was just some corrosion. Well, after 2 coats of PB Blaster, not much success. Then we went to use Zep45 Teflon Lubricant. That worked out a little, but mainly in the beginning and ending stages of opening or closing. Then finally, we tried white lithium grease. Third time's a charm. This seemed to work the best, but unfortunately, the grease had a hard time sticking to where we needed it since it was all so oily. Also, a little trouble shooting what the exact problem was key also. We thought maybe there was a slightly bend to the threaded valve shaft...not the case. Instead, it was the actual valve itself. After working the grease in for about an hour, it seemed to open and close a lot easier. So we hooked it back up to the engine, and tried one more time. A few bleeding knuckles, many oil soaked napkins, and half a grease tube later, we have victory! So for future reference...whtie lithium grease is the preferred lubricant; and use it first!

Long time awaiting!

Finally, patience has paid off. Just when I thought there was no hope in sight, things finally took for the turn. Was it my new suit? Who knows... Was it my last stab at despiration? Doubt it. Was it my "I'm real relaxed and expect nothing out of it" approach? Perhaps. Was it my unknown source of confidence. Absolutely! A full time, permanent Firefighter position was offered to me this past Wednesday, not once...but twice! Well, technically the first one was a Fire Inspector, but same difference. One of course paid more than the other, but that would mean I would have to pack up the whole family and move into an unknown area...foreign to us all. Or should I just pick the lesser paying (but still nothing to turn your head at) job that is local, very local infact. I picked the local one as any other person would probably do. I know the area, I'm involved with various organizations, family (on both sides), and we know the housing market as well as the schools. So, the decision was quite easy, yet at the same time real tough. Lets just hope I made the right one. But I will say one thing for sure...it sure felt nice to have the "ball in my court" for a change! I also must say in 2 days, I did my 2 best interviews ever, and it obviously showed. Now comes the fun part...house hunting! =/

**Structure Fire-City Assist**

I initially only caught the end of the dispatch because my pager was upstairs, but enroute to the station, I found out there was a structure fire in the city. The reason the city couldn't respond is because they were already on a structure fire. Anyhow, I run upstairs to get my pager, then jump in the truck to head to the station. Once I get there (just as I always do), I hop out my truck, and run to get my gear. Well, apparently that was a bad idea because the floor got waxed, and I was totally unaware of it. At a seconds notice, I became victim to a slip and fall hazard! But I wasn't the only one. Another guy came in the side door, rounded around the staircase and his neck found the floor in an instant. I guess I couldn't class myself as a slip and fall, since I didn't fall. I did about a 10 foot slip into our Squad and had to make a split second decision. Either my head goes through the drivers side rear door window, or I do what any other normal persons reaction would be and throw my arm up to absorb the impact. Well, I threw my arm up, but unfortunately for the Squad, I had my keys in my hand still and put a huge gouge into the paint on the rear door. As I was entering the door, I was in the process of putting them in my pocket just as the slip occured. Well, needless to say my lower back is sore from the agressive, but sudden movement I did, and you can see a two inch scratch down to the bare metal on the poor Squad. As far as the structure fire, we were cancelled about 10 blocks away. After we got back to station, I further investigated my damage and felt real bad. Even at an age of 28, I still get caught up in the excitement and act before I think. Sad thing is, I usually don't rush around all crazy like that. But I knew I was late leaving the house, and once I heard "multiple calls were made confirming a fire," I took off like a bat outta hell! I guess the lessen learned in this story is SLOW IT DOWN! Don't be a statistic, get there safe, and healthy!

**Stand-by Only**

One feature I think I'm going to add is my "response" log and things that go on while on response. They will be announced with **before and after** the title.


Just as I was about to go get my oil changed on my truck, my pager goes off and we are put on standby for the neighboring fire companies...they were recently dispatched to a structure fire. After about 3 hours on standby, we were finally released and all was over. While on standby, we did a little in-house training, and reservicing.