Book excerpt: When I first joined the Rensselaer Fire Department in 1974, I was only 17 Years Old and did not know that I was getting myself into. I did not have a whole lot of knowledge about the Fire Department or how things worked at the time. I joined mostly for the bar, which most young guys my age wanted to do. Before long, when I learned more about the workings of the Fire Department, I became very interested and became a very active volunteer. In a short time, I became a Parade Officer and eventually a Fire Officer. In the late 1980s, I was appointed a Vacation Relief Driver for the Paid Side of the Fire Department. I did this from 1988 until 1992. Really, hoped for a Full Time Position that never panned out due to political reasons. I nearly forty years being involved with the City of Rensselaer Fire Department and as a member of the James Hill Hook and Ladder, Truck Company #1, I have seen a lot of ups and downs. Fortunately, there have been many more highs than there have been lows. The friendships and lifelong bonds I have made will be with me for the rest of my life. I sincerely hope that anyone who reads this book will enjoy it very much, bring some laughs and, for some, bring back some Wonderful and Funny Memories. Please Enjoy. Bill Reimann