What has two arms, two legs and a lot of nerve?

Oh yes, and it flies.

Give up?

It is Happy Valley Fire Captain Ronny (Bo) Simmons sailing through the air above the fire hall.

In years past, it has been a tradition that one of the slimmer, lighter firefighters would have the dubious honor of placing the star and the strings of lights at the top of the stations' respective Christmas trees.

This involved climbing from branch to branch up the center of the tree, and placing the star and the lights at the very top. Clinging to the branches, while swaying back and forth, this Christmas hero would then begin the placement of the lights. In the spring, the same man would again find his way to the top, and disconnect and lower the lights for another year.

For many years, Chief Joe Vasquez was the chosen one. Then the honor was passed on to Ronny Simmons.

Three years ago, as lights fell from the top of the tree, crashing on the pavement and sending firefighters running for cover, it was decided that change was needed. The trees, now about 62 feet high, were becoming too tall and too flimsy at the top to effectively and safely climb.

To the rescue came Rick Van Cleave, owner of A-1 Crane Services. Van Cleave who resides, along with his business, on Happy Valley Road volunteered his crane and his services to help out with the job. So, for the last three years, Van Cleave has hoisted Simmons, dangling from a safety belt, to the top of both trees, where he is suspended in mid-air, while placing or releasing the lights of Christmas.

While many would hesitate to soar through the air in this fashion, Simmons thinks it's fun.

"A lot more fun than climbing" he said with a laugh.