It's been 17 months since I had an unexpected heart attack. I'm a volunteer firefighter (25 years), and got smoke inhalation on a major call, which caused a CO thickened clot to hit an unknown 95% blockage in a coronary artery the next day. I nearly bought the farm, ended up with one stent and a new focus on life. I stepped down as fire Chief 10 months later at the end of my two year term to decrease stress, and have been driving the big rigs since then. I've gotten in the best shape of my life, and although I intend to retire from active duty in May when I turn 60, I wanted to return to front line firefighting (air-pack, fire attack etc.) if I could do so without A) being a risk to the team, and Not dropping %&*$ dead. My personal physician refereed me for a stress test and a talk with the cardiologist.

Well, today I crushed the test. They pushed me way past regular levels. I exceeded the level for paid firefighter, and RCMP, and in fact I'm fit enough to deploy overseas with the military. This geezer is going back to showing the kids how it's done.