"Larry" (not his real name), a fireman in Engine 318 was, how can we best say it, ... frugal.

The engine had been out on B.I. (building inspection) on a hot July day. On the way back to quarters they picked up a bag of sugar and a bunch of lemons. The members watched as the ingredients, as if my magic, were converted into lemonade - refreshing, ice-cold lemonade.

The huge bowl of lemonade was placed on the kitchen table, with coffee mugs right next to it.

One by one, the firemen dipped a mug into the lemonade, then put a nickel into a jar.

Eventually Larry came into the kitchen. He saw the lemonade. One of the firemen said: "Larry - have some lemonade".

He picked up a mug, dipped it into the lemonade, and was about to put it to his lips when someone said: "5 cents".

Without missing a beat, in one deft move, Larry dumped the lemonade back into the bowl, and walked away. (Ira Hoffman)

Now it's your turn. If you have a story that you'd like to submit, or have an idea for a story please let me know. Send it to: fdnytales@Fire-Police-EMS.com

Thanks, Ira Hoffman