I got to the firehouse around 3:40pm. Thankfully, there was a pretty long line when I got there. I didn't want to get there too early, but since I was unfamiliar with the Island, I thought I'd give myself some time. I was staying in Hempstead and wasn't sure how far Long Beach was from there, so I left the hotel around 3pm.

 After a couple of wrong turns and a concern about finding a parking spot, I found the firehouse (I almost missed it), and a close spot to boot. I had fully expected everything to be outside, but due to the wet and cold weather everything was inside the firehouse, thank goodness.

 Everyone was really nice. There were a few fire fighters in line ahead of me and we were cracking jokes the whole way. When the line snaked around to the Squad, I asked one of them if he could take my photo in front of the Squad. He joked, "Depends. Are you from New York?" "No," I replied, "New Jersey." He waved me away. I quickly added, "I was born in Queens (NY)." With that he said, "Okay," and took my camera. Then he pretended to run off with it!!! LOL!! I said, "Uh-uh! Come back here!"

I stepped over to the squad and one another fireman picked up a Squad 51 helmet and turnout coat (that said "Gage" on the back) and helped me into them.

Then the line moved toward the memorabilia table, where I saw Dick Friend, Hannah, Gino Grimaldi and Cynthia Hawkins. I said hi to both Hannah and Cynthia, and listened as Dick Friend chatted with another fan.

When it was my turn to go up to the autograph table Ed Self called me over and asked if I wanted a photo taken with Randy. I said I would and gave him my camera. After I showed him how to use it, I placed a picture on the table for Randy to sign. He turned to me with a huge smile and said, "Hi."

When he was autographing the photo he asked me how I wanted it signed. I said he could sign it to me and told him my name. He was patient and friendly. I joked with Randy and asked him if his hand was tired from all the autographs he's been signing. He smiled and said, "No. I'm tough."

Ed Self was great too. He kindly he gestured for me to circle the table and pose with Randy.

Everyone was good natured and just having a great time. It was a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. I was pleased with the turnout, though I had hoped for more people. Still there was a pretty good crowd for at least 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

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