Sprinkler charge doesn't hold water

I used to think that the Department of Parking and Transportation was the most spineless department at the UA. Everyone has had their run-ins with them, boots on your car, endless parking tickets for parking in a place that has no "No Parking" signs (until you appeal the ticket then the next day there is a big fat sign). But every big man should be able to say when they have beenwrong. So, I stand corrected, Residence Life just beat you out. I am a firefighter and have been to many classes encompassing many different subjects, including one whole semester on sprinklers. What a boring subject! If you have any questions on how to build a sprinkler system I could tell you two different ways to design it, using one of four different systems or even using a combination. I can even answer simpler questions, such as "did I get screwed paying $4,760 to change a (that usually means one, right?) sprinkler head?" ("If you break it, you buy it" 4/23/98)

OK, I admit it does take more than just unscrewing the head and putting a new one in. Why? Well, you would trip the whole system. Think about it or just take my word for it. How do you get around the inevitable? Turn off the system. All of this should have been done by a licensed sprinkler contractor, unless the university has licensed people to work on them. I doubt it. If it were that easy every firefighter would be doing that stuff in their off time.

We don't. But I would strongly consider it if I could make $4,760 to change one head.

I guess the university does help you decide what you will do with the rest of your life. Thank you for letting me get that off my chest. I'm going back to get my sprinkler license!

Rob Sakowitz