Look very closely behind the mask and underneath the hat of the firefighter pictured above and you just might recognize the face.

Give up?

It's me -- BannerGraphic assistant editor Adam Coates -- decked out in the finest in firefighter gear as I prepare for an adventure of a lifetime.

The kind folks at the Greencastle Fire Department have invited me to come along as they take part in a training exercise next week.

We're talking real fire and real smoke; not your kid-proof smokehouse that the fire department uses to teach youngsters about fire safety.

No sir. On Monday, we're headed to the fire department's new training facility, located on the south side of Greencastle, next to the Putnam County Highway Department.

So what are we going to set on fire? The fire department has acquired a pair of large shipping crates, which you normally see being hauled atop ocean-going vessels, and has set them up in such a way as to simulate a building.

One of the firefighters will light a fire inside the container and then we'll make our way through. I'm told the smoke gets so thick that you can't see the hand in front of your face. I'm excited!

To those of you who know and love me, firefighter Jeff Elkins, who was kind enough to give me a crash course at the firehouse this week, assures me that someone who has loads more training than I will be right in front of me should I have any problems.

Seriously, these are the guys who would risk their lives to save another human being without thinking twice. I know I'm in good hands.

Before I end this entry, I would be remiss if I didn't thank Fire Chief Bill Newgent for approaching me with the idea.

And to Mayor Murray: you told me you're going to wait and see how it goes with me before you agree to take a turn. I'll let you know how it goes.

Wish me luck and I'll look forward to bringing everyone a report next week.