The following is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth...names have been changed.
Chief,
Today, at BC 35 request, station 3 units responded to an "iguana in a tree call". On our arrival, no kidding, there was an iguana in a tree. He was about 30' up. This call was at our city park on 100 N.
The owner of the iguana had been on his way to the pet store to purchase a leash for his pet lizard. On the way he stopped for little free time at the park. As soon as the lizard got the chance he (or she, I can't tell) ran up a tree. The owner had tried to shake the little reptile out of the tree prior to our arrival. No luck.
Of course for this rescue we would in no way put ourselves in danger.
Our first plan of action was to ladder the tree. Although we knew we could not reach the Iguana we hoped to obtain a more advantageous position for shaking the tree. Not familiar with iguana rescue tactics we thought we would try shaking first. FF "Smith" shook many leaves from the tree. This caused the iguana to climb higher into the tree.
The owner of the ophidian suggested that we pull out our chainsaw and cut off the branch that the little guy was on. Now this is a big beautiful tree and cutting this single branch would have put 20% of the tree on the ground and caused much grief to the residents that frequent the park. We did not pull out the chainsaw.
At our wits end, and with agreement from the owner, we pulled out a handline. At this point the reptant was at the very top of the tree. A straight stream with the engine at idle only was not enough to dislodge the Chameleon (who apparently becomes darker as the weather gets colder). About 120 psi and several direct hits (the marksmanship of Swat "Jones" was amazing) finally caused the iguana to fall to the ground.
Once we realized that he did not splatter, and before we could pat ourselves on the back, we found ourselves in a foot race with the little serpentiform. This guy was up on his two hind legs running a 50 yard dash. He beat us to the next tree!!! Luckily his owner was able to knock him off the trunk of the tree before he climbed out of reach.
There we were again, trying to outrun a lizard. This time he was caught. He did not appear to be hurt. Back to the car then off to the store to buy a leash.
The owner thanked us several times for hitting his iguana with a straight stream! "Anytime", what else is there to say?
Not only did we save the little dinosaur from freezing tonight, but apparently the pressure from the nozzle helped him with his skin condition. Yes our little guy would have normally been a $120 iguana, but do to a fungus he was purchased for a mere $20. Now with much of his fungus gone he is worth more. So there should be a dollar gain on the fire report.
Captain "Brown"
lizard noun, a cold blooded reptile with four short legs and a scaly body
spring noun, 1) a river or pond coming up from the ground 2) a piece of wire twisted into a spiral 3) the season following winter, when plants begin to grow, verb, 4) to jump 5) to come from 6) to grow
The Meadow House
Ethan...aka Columbus...at the "Wax Museum"
but I think my favorite and the most appropriate version for this picture is...
I have always had a hard time telling people no. My life is insanely busy based on my inability to utter a word formed by two simple letters. When Jason and I were first married I really had a hard time when it came to saying the above mentioned word. I was always taking on crazy projects, helping wherever needed, and donating Jason when someone needed him. With Jason's crazy schedule and me working full time and having 2 small children our time together was rather limited. Jason found what he thought was a way to help me...he wrote NO on a piece of paper and taped it on the inside of the cupboard door by the phone. When the phone would ring, Jason would open the cupboard and point at the sign. I would always end up saying "yes" and Jason would walk away shaking his head, muttering something about hooked on phonics... I just really enjoy helping others and being needed is always a great boost to the ego and a I forget my own problems when I am busy. I am not neglecting my "stuff" when I tell others yes, I am just adding on to my list of things that need to be done. I do decline my assistance if I really really really can't do what you need but oh it aches to my very core to do so and I try to avoid using the actual "word". So I ask you, at what point can/do you just say no...besides the whole drugs, alcohol, and smoking scene? And does it ever get easier??
no adjective 1) not any, adverb, 2) a word we use to answer a question, or indicate disagreement
