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Alex S. Crank and Gilbert Zepeda.

 
On January 11, 2003, retired fire captain Alex S. Crank celebrated his 71st birthday among lifelong friends and family. Alex invited his long time Christian brother, retired fire captain Gilbert Zepeda to celebrate his own 69th birthday along with him. The celebration was held at the Crank's ranch on highway 181 South across from Calaveras Lake. Despite the cold and rainy weather, 55 revelers showed up to honor Alex and Gilbert.

These celebrants, mostly retired firefighters, guests, a few neighbors, and some long time SAFD brothers, feasted on a delicious home cooked dinner. There was a fried wild turkey, a fried tame turkey, two 100 lb. baby hogs, a huge pile of BBQ ribs, beans, potato salad and plenty of other fixin's.

Just as all had sat out in the yard at the dinner table, the rain started coming down. But what's a little water to a firefighter? As most of them were wearing hats and caps, they just sat out in the drizzle and reminisced between mouthfuls.

In his spare time, Crank continues his work with Youth for Christ and Campus Life and, yes, he still dabbles in car sales and parts. Alex's specialty is restoring old classic Mustangs from the tires up. Crank's crew can perform any mechanical work on his favorite Mustangs, all the way to complete restoration.

Crank reflects that "It's a wonderful time in one's life when one can retire in good health with pension and benefits like ours. The city is a good and honorable place to work and we are well provided for. Now that many of us are able to retire earlier and earlier, more of us can look forward to a wonderful retirement . . . a fitting reward for the risk and sacrifice we have willingly and gladly endured."

Crank remarks, he "sure misses the fire house. There'll never be anything like the fraternal brotherhood of firefighters where it's one-for-all and all-for-one: I wouldn't have it any other way." Crank remembers loyal crews that would never walk out on him, and men he would never walk out on. "That's why I miss it . . . it was like family."

Although not many people know of Alex Crank's firm foundation, his closest friends know of his strong Christian character and commitment. Crank has quietly helped many during his life and just a few found out about it. In 1961 Crank was honored with the Guy Cude Award for his community service. He was always involved in Christmas programs for the needy, especially during the years he spent at #11's. Crank and his Christian cohorts at the station pooled their money and helped missionaries on Oaxaca, Mexico, sending medical supplies, refrigerators, generators and video equipment.

Alex is just one of the many firefighters that exemplifies the noble spirit of our organization--people helping people. Godspeed to you Alex, May God continue to light up your life.