My firefighting career began in 1975. I was 18 years old. My younger brother one evening asked me to accompany him to a meeting at the volunteer fire house. I reluctantly went. 

At the meeting, my brother discovered that he was too young to enroll. I however had attained the age of 18, and they gladly accepted my application. I began volunteering with The Coleytown Volunteer Engine Co. #6. It was one of the volunteer branches of the Westport Fire Department. 

In 1987, I was fortunate to test for a career position with The Westport Fire Department. I scored well in the testing and was hired in February 1987, Groundhog Day. I served with the department until my retirement in June 2016. 

After serving nearly 30 years, I decided it was time to put this little book together. I hope it gives the reader as much enjoyment as I have had putting it together.