There was also the time the guys got called out at two o'clock in the morning to a bar. The engine crew were the only ones to return, missing were Roy and John. Man, I don't ever remember when the guys looked so lost. The sounds that echoed off my walls were shouts of *how*. How could such a thing happen to Johnny, then the soft murmurs of prayer for their fallen brother. There was no ease until Roy called and informed the 'family' that Johnny had made it through surgery and would be OK.

Johnny, such a source of worry, but also one of happiness. His enthusiasm can be somewhat overwhelming, yet, his smile can melt even the coldest of hearts. Our young Romeo may not have won the affections of any of the nurses at Rampart Hospital, but has endeared himself to his friends.

Speaking of his friends, Roy DeSoto, Johnny's best friend, has a heart of mush. Who would have thought that the once stiff paramedic would mellow out. When he and John first came here to work, I felt sorry for Gage. Poor guy was newly partnered with the high and mighty senior paramedic. I don't know what kept them together in the beginning. If I'd been John, I would have clocked Roy a good one, but, over time, that all changed. Roy loosened up and quit being overly bossy to his, now, best friend. No longer thinking he was 'all that and a bag of chips'; a man who John could trust with his life.

Actually, all the guys on the a-shift are pretty special. Mike Stoker, Engineer, is quite calm, never raising his voice. Hell, I didn't even know the guy could speak until he'd been here three months. Yep, like the saying goes, you have to watch out for the quiet ones. From the reactions of the guys, he must be a great cook. The compliments he receives for his fried chicken and spaghetti make me wish I were human. He has also been known to pull a few pranks (only I'm privy to) that the Phantom got the blame for; not that Chet minded.

That brings me to Chester B. Kelly, Firefighter extraordinaire. From what I hear, that man knows how to handle a hose. If that bit of information didn't come from his co-workers, I would just think he was boasting again. Brag, brag, brag, he does so much of it I sometimes wonder who he's trying to convince, himself or his audience. Not to mention that he's always making me a mess with his practical jokes against Johnny. But, I have to admit, if I were a living, breathing person, I would have pounded him a good one when he caught those snow ski's on fire in *my* locker room. I probably wouldn't be standing here today if it hadn't been for Roy's quick response in extinguishing the fire. For a man who's suppose to be good with a hose....well, I won't finish that thought. I can still feel the smoke within my walls. Just because I'm a fire station, doesn't mean I want to smell like smoke.

Well, enough about flame boy. Now, let's move on to Marco Lopez. When I think of Marco, I think of chili. The guy must have a gut of steel. If it were possible, I think he would eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner; he's very passionate about the hot and spicy concoction. He is also one terrific hose man in his own right and an equally terrific friend. If it weren't for Marco, Chet probably wouldn't have a best friend. The man has to have the patience of a saint to put up with Kelly. He's a devoted son and brother to his mother and sisters. Yeah, what a guy.

This was just a sampling of the many memories that my walls hold dear. As time moves forth, I'm sure memories, I will continue to gather; for, when Hank, Chet, Marco, Mike, Roy or Johnny move on, there will be other's. The one thing I am sure of is that this 'family' is special and I'm glad I had been a part of it.

The End

Special thanks to Heidi for the terrific beta.