Every once in a while you get involved in something that ends up being a good story.
Today our carbon monoxide alarm went off and the alarm company immediately called us.
We have a system where the alarm is hard wired in and the company ordered us to leave the house and told us the local fire department was on the way. Carbon monoxide emergencies are serious because it is an odorless and colorless gas that can be fatal in sufficient concentrations. I knew the alarm itself might be bad but the company insisted we leave for safety reasons and that is always prudent.
We waited outside and the show began. Two chiefs cars, a local police car and a large pumper arrived in several minutes. Everyone was very professional and very nice. A half dozen firefighters entered the house with monitoring equipment and checked our home. Fortunately, there was no evidence of carbon monoxide on our main level. By now, our neighbors were outside, all police officers, too, concerned about our safety but also smiling once they knew there was no danger. Apparently, they knew our basement would have to be checked for carbon monoxide. Four firefighters started downstairs and I encouraged the other firemen to join them. "Oh, the guys have it covered Mr. Scher," they said. I winked at them and said they probably would want to go down, too. They were beginning to get the picture because as soon as the crew upstairs started to join the firemen who had just gotten to the basement, we could hear excited voices shouting, "Holy Smoke ! (They didn't use the word smoke. A different word was used).
They immediately sent for the other firefighters who could join them. I guess some had to stay with the trucks. We had about ten firemen in the basement when one of them came up to me goggle eyed and said,"Can I please be your son? I promise to behave !! " we all had a good laugh and I invited the Carmel Fire Department to return with their families at which time we would have a party for all the members and their families. They all promised to return.
As we were leaving, the Putnam County medical official, who is a medical doctor and who accompanies the fire department on carbon monoxide calls and also the County Coroner, came up to me. "Hey, the guys tell me you have a train layout downstairs. They were amazed." He added that he and his father used to work on a train layout when he was a boy. "Do you have a couple of minutes?" I asked. He did and we went downstairs.
"Holy ****," he said.
"Can I bring my father over?
i said we would love that. Promise to bring the whole Carmel Fire Department?
He gave me his solemn word on it.
Keep warm, next week could be a week to remember.
Mike 
