Do you smell snow?

There are very few things that hold value in this world anymore. Those who work in the public safety field, especially police and ems, realize the true value of a partner. But not just any partner, A quality partner. A partner is someone that you are paired with for 12 hours a night. That's half a day. Now some people think that's a chip shot. I can spend 12 hours with a person. And that may be true, but being stuck with the wrong partner in a tin can for 12 hours, less than 3 feet apart, the time can quickly become torture. 

A disagreement may start with something as simple as one partner having a bad day, questioning a medical decision, or that there is a lack of trust among both persons. Something that in this business can happen all too often. 

Now every once in a while you will come across two people that can work together seamlessly. I myself have had several partnerships, and with most they have had their fair share of ups and downs. Some people work with different people on a constant basis, and personally I could never do such a thing. 

But in my case I can't help but talk about the valuable friendship I have with a partner who doesn't work full time with me, but is a go to person. These are valuable assets to your organization. These people need to be treated as such, because morale is an important thing to have in your organization. When units are happy,the job gets done better. When the job gets done better, the company looks better and you then accomplish great things. 

With all of this being said, I'd like to speak about one of the greatest ass-ets that I have had the pleasure to work with. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you te animal known as Brian McGraw. 

Now just so we can all get a brief background on Brian, grew up in the middlesex/Monmouth county area. He was an avid athlete growing up. He absolutely loves his patriots and loves the Yankees. I can proudly I have had some of the best experiences of my life with him. I have seen concerts, I have been to Yankee games as well as having the honor to attend the pinstripe bowl with him. An all around great guy. This man will give you the shirt off his back and doesn't hesitate to back me up on any of my crazy missions at work. For that I thank him. 

Now at this point I'm sure you are all thinking, man he seems like a great guy! Right? Hold on to your hats. Things are about to go downhill really quick.

Working with Brian is an adventure within itself. Brian loves to try new foods with the exception of corned beef hash. To Brian this is the equivalent of alpo and it causes him to dry heave. However there have been many a trips to boulevard drinks. The most notable of these trips is the time I fumbled a chili cheese dog in the front of seat of the ambulance. As I fumble the mess of a meal similar to that of the famous Jason Seahorn playoff interception. Remember him? That guy that Angie Harmon ruined? Anyway, I start screaming "shit shit shit shit" loudly as I make the catch. In j biggz fashion I make the grab. We both rejoiced and bonded over hot dogs. 

Months ago I decided to call ourselves the a-team, minus the cool van. Managers at Jcmc and Monoc start to roll their eyes wen pairing us. But realize they have a rock solid unit.  

We tear it up at the arts center...

As well as the medical center...

The conversations that are had between us are nothing short of legendary. Some of the best topics that really make your mind think. Its questions like, do you ever wonder what exactly people are listening to when they are listening to their headphones? Or do you ever think that your wasted sperm have been the person to cure cancer or win the World Series? It's conversations like this that really spark some intellectual conversation. 

There are also times where we can have down to earth conversations about life, family, or that new Sarah Bareillis song that you play on repeat throughout the night but wouldn't dare tell anyone else. 

It's these things that are signs of a good partner. 

Brian was thrilled to see Uncle Tim...

There's nothing more hilarious than watching Brian's lack of a digestive system kick into overdrive on a moments notice. All will be quiet on the western front. Then before you know it, a quick "oh-no" will emit from the drivers seat, and it's off to the races. To happen once in a while would be one thing. But this is a nightly basis. He is a man child. But he can pick up what you put down. A straight shooter with quick wit. 

Now I'm sure most people are wondering why this tale is titled, do you smell snow? The answer to this is simple and a fun game to play with friends and enemies alike. Next time you are in a room or small enclosed area, proceed to pass gas. Then after allowing it to spread for a few seconds, proceed to ask, "do you smell snow?" This will trigger a natural instinct to take a deep whiff of the air as well as your flatulence. This trick also works well with the smell of popcorn. Everyone loves the smell of popcorn. Now it may seem childish but it is a go to laugh. 

It's hard to find someone who is just as willing to make a complete ass of themselves as you. But that is something to be valued and treasured. I know there are many people who share a partnership like this. One that you are friends not only at work, but have a blast hanging out after and outside of work. They say that you spend a vast majority of your life at work. Might as well spend it with someone that makes the shift fly by. Here's to you McGraw, and please having Hemingway call in the morning to apologize.