Roland Cook:  

Life A few years after high school I was hired by the Palm Springs Fire Dept. In 2005, I officially retired from the Department. I've spent 22 fun and fulfilling years in the fire service. Now, I have a couple restaurants that keep me busy. Living in Palm Desert is great. However, I do miss OC. Still have lots of friends from childhood living there. Is spend as much time as possible at our river house, just a couple hours away. Years of good business has allowed us to spend a lot of time at the river this summer. Every man needs a boat. I have a beautiful young daughter from a previous marriage. My current bride brought me another beautiful daughter, 25 years old now. Brittany in turn made me a freakin' grandpa a few years ago. Imagine that. Grandpa Roland. Although my FD career provided me and my family with a great life, it also became the reason for my early retirement. I won't get into it here, but, trust me when I say that I've seen enough and been injured enough to accept my early retirement. Hell, it's not like I got cheated, I got 22 great years from it. Do I miss it? Yup. As I write, wildfires are incinerating Southern California and my boys are out there doing what they do. Yup, I miss it. Always will. It's kind of a sickness, but, I doubt Betty Ford has a program for me. I figure that's why God made beer and gave me a river house. On a more serious note I'd like to officially (although meekly behind my computer screen)apologize to all those I hurt or embarrassed in high school. Girls c...Expand for more