Apr / May
2009
Magazine

No matter what your age is, no matter how hard it is to get out of bed in the morning, if you think positive you can do anything.
Chef Joe Marosla Eidem

My First Ride in a Big Red Fire Truck

All little boys dream of riding in a big red fire truck, well I am here to tell you it's never too late.

A few months ago while visiting my son and his family in Southern California I did one of my favorite things, I went to the Beverly Hills Sunday Morning Farmers Market. Now I must tell you the Beverly Hills Farmers Market is a little different than any of ours. First it starts at 9 a.m., which is very early for the local residents of Beverly Hills. My wife says I go to just look at the cars, well it is fun watching everyone arrive in their Bentley's, Rolls Royce's, Mercedes and other luxury cars. Then as they enter the market located outside of city hall they are given a small cart on wheels for their purchase. I compare it to a “Whole Foods” market outside. On this particular day the Beverly Hills Fire Department was on display. I remembered a friend of my little brother worked for the Beverly Hills Fire Department. As we age we have a tendency to think no one else has aged and “little” brothers & sisters of our friends are still young.

Four-year-old birthday boy, Waylon, in the front seat of the fire truck.

I asked one of the fire fighters if they knew Timmy Scranton. He had a puzzled look with a slight grin and stated, “Timmy is not here today.” I then informed him of my importance. I went to school with his older brother and proceeded to hand him my business card. Just then a more distinguished looking in charge type of guy came up and asked if he could help me. I again asked if he knew Timmy Scranton. He replied with a very straight face, “Yes, Chief Scranton is our department Chief, how can I help you?” Department Chief, little Timmy is the Chief? The little kid who use to hang around with us is now a Chief! I gave the Battalion Chief my card and explained I went to school with his older brother & sister and could he please tell him I said hi. The Battalion Chief stated he would pass on the message. A few weeks later Chief Scranton e-mailed and stated it was good to hear from me. He asked what my purpose was in the Beverly Hills area. I told him my son and family live close by, and we came down to visit our grandchildren. Luck has it, Chief Scranton, still Timmy to me, said the next time I was down to bring the grandchildren for a tour and ride on a fire truck. My first thought was I am about to become Papa the hero to give my grandkids a ride on a fire truck. My wife let me know that there was no way I was going by myself to get all the credit. She wanted to go also.

Son Chris,Waylon,and Hunter
at the fire station.

The youngest grandson's 4th birthday was coming up so I once again contacted Timmy. He stated he would be out of town but would set up the tour for us. Having a tour set up by the Fire Chief pulls some weight. When we arrived on a Saturday morning, my son, two grandsons and my wife (my daughter stayed home to prepare for the birthday party), were all greeted by Dean Viana, Firefighter/Paramedic. Now Dean looked like what every Beverly Hills Fireman on TV or in the movies is suppose to look like. Tall, thin, dark hair, perfect built and my wife became an 8- year-old little girl with her first crush. All we told the grandchildren was that we were going to visit a friend of Papa's. They were so surprised to arrive at the firehouse where two fire fighters were awaiting us. I must tell you the fire fighters I think were a little disappointed. They said they were honored to have the Chef from the “RIO” in Las Vegas visiting them. I then had to inform them I was a Chef in Reno, not at the RIO. Oh well, sorry guys no comps at the RIO this time.

Valery, Chris, birthday boy Waylon, Hunter,
and Chef Joe with firemen.

I was still a good friend of the Chiefs so they treated us very special. They took us on a full tour of the station, showed us all the fire trucks, the kitchen, living space and they even had cake, balloons, and a gift for my grandson. They also gave each one of us Tshirts from the Beverly Hills Fire Department. I will wear mine very proudly. Then the big thrill, they asked if we wanted to ride in a fire truck. I personally have never ridden in a big red fire truck. They placed the family in the rear seat and Papa got to sit up front with the driver. Now if you know me my first love is cooking, my second is cars or anything with wheels, and this truck had lots of wheels. It's not as easy getting into a fire truck as it looks. It is high off the ground and made for those in the same shape as Dean, not this old man. Well once inside, the big doors open and off we went, not just any street but we went cursing down Rodeo Blvd. in Beverly Hills. There is no doubt in my mind as I was waving to the tourist, shoppers and celebrities on Rodeo, they saw a Big Red Fire Truck with a very young enthusiastic little boy in the front passage seat, along with several other children in the back seat. I know my grandchildren, son and wife enjoyed the day, but this Papa was so excited to finally get a ride, and once again become an 8-year-old little boy fulfilling a dream. After we left I knew I could not provide free trips to the RIO so I went to my favorite store, Trader Joes, and brought all the ingredients for a full Italian dinner for the 17 on duty fire fighters, including the bread, salad and dessert. My son and I went by the station to drop off our thank you and again through the eyes of an 8- year-old I looked in the firehouse and saw “my” Big Red Fire Truck. Well I will tell you this 8-year-old will never forget the day I rode down Rodeo Blvd.