In case you didn't realize it, firefighters have some very interesting, and sometimes hilarious calls that they go on. As if God wanted to lighten their day between saving lives and witnessing others pass over.

A recent addition to the call volume for our department in Washington State is a man in his 50s that goes by the name of The King, short, of course, for The King of Rock & Roll. As with many great rockers and their titles, The King affectionately gave himself this name. This is found by one of the most basic questions firefighters ask on a medical call, 'What is your name'. Often this question is used to decide the person's level of awareness, but how do you interpret an answer of 'The King of Rock & Roll' anytime you ask for someone's name?

After a few calls with The King, his fame spread amongst the department, so now it is viewed more as an honor, than confusion by his answer, when firefighters meet The King for the first time. Those who have previously met The King usually can identify him before asking that infamous question because of his well-worn clothes, sandy-gray hair, and sweet aroma of vomit, alcohol, and trash. It is quite the combo, really. Speculation is quickly confirmed that The King is not only homeless, but an alcoholic.

Meeting with people who have nothing to lose, because they actually have nothing more than their ragged clothes and a dollar or two, is an experience rich with opportunity. Some of the best aspects of meeting with The King is the dialogue that proceeds. He says what he wants to who he wants, whether it be a cop, firefighter, or paramedic.

Some of the great lines from the cold-sore filled mouth of The King are:

Paramedic: Are you doing ok?

The King: Does a one-legged man have trouble in a butt-kicking contest?

Firefighter: Do you know what time of day it is?

The King: Daytime..??

Firefighter: Can you be more specific?

The King: Between sun up and sun down, moron.

Firefighter: (after smelling his foul breath) Have you been drinking or thrown up today?

The King: Um, what time is it?

Firefighter: 12:30am

The King: Then no, not today...

Cop: What's the problem today King?

The King: I'm just trying to rock, what do you think about that, Mr. John Denver?

Firefighter: Do you know where you're at?

The King: Yes

Firefighter: Where's that?

The King: On the ground.

Firefighter: Okay, where are you on the ground at?

The King: Between the road and that house, duh... are you retarded or something?

Firefighter: We need to strap you to this board because you may have a spinal injury.

The King: Or so you can steal my stuff. You got sticky fingers?

(Firefighters begin log rolling him onto the board and strapping him down.

The King: Ahhh, this is worse than water boarding!!!

Firefighter: You've been water boarded?

The King: Of course not, you idiot, but this board is harder than water!