Trip to the Fire Station

I told you that Me-Me and Pop arranged for a trip to the fire station and they did not disappoint! We went to a fire station that has an antique fire engine (a 1937 pumper/engine) that they use in parades and at birthday parties to promote the fire department. It was amazing! They bought it for $6,000 and then worked every Saturday for 3 1/2 years and spend over $180,000 to restore it to off-the-line pristine condition. The siren works, the lights rotate, it has the ladders and hoses (although not the original hoses) and it is the shiniest color red you have ever seen. And we got a ride on it! I got to ring the bell (Travis was too scared) and our chauffeur ran the siren and the lights for us. I was a little scared with both boys and no seat belts or doors, but we didn't go more that about 10 mph! And with no power steering we couldn't take the corners too quickly! The man who gave us the ride is the man who worked as the mechanic repairing it. He had lots of stories about the process.

But really, the best part was being at the fire station and seeing all the equipment. Travis was bothered that there was no fire pole, but apparently the insurance company vetoed it so they are lacking that important piece of fire equipment! The firemen were impressed by Travis' fire gear, which Me-Me and Pop added to with a shopping trip during his stay with them. We now have 2 fire axes and three extinguishers. We should be covered in the event of a fire now!