Sam Fulwider is never surprised when he finds cash or snakes on the job.
The Georgia Department of Labor's elevator inspector has been on the job only a couple of months, but he already has some interesting stories to tell his 13-year-old son.
"You never know what you'll find during an inspection," said Mr. Fulwider, 52. "I inspect more than 1,000 elevators, so I'll see the gamut."
The Grovetown man gives annual permits and performs semi-annual inspections on elevators, boilers and amusement rides in 17 counties, including Richmond, McDuffie and Columbia .
He usually begins by checking the alarm and telephone on elevators. He then rides the elevator to ensure it's functioning properly.
His treasure hunt often begins when he examines the elevator shaft. He searches for any substances, such as water and oil, that would interfere with the elevator's functioning.
The search sometimes uncovers $20 bills, cell phones and garden snakes, he said.
After serving in the Navy as a nuclear engineer for 29 years, Mr. Fulwider said , he wanted to be able to serve again.
"I was too old to be a police officer," he said. "After serving the people for so long, you want to continue to do that."
He was offered that opportunity when he least expected it.
The area's former elevator inspector , Carl Spitzer, asked him to take the job while they were at a youth baseball game. Mr. Spitzer had been the area inspector for more than 30 years, and it was difficult to find a suitable replacement.
"He just asked me , ' Do you know anything about boilers?' I said yes," Mr. Fulwider said.
Mr. Fulwider applied in May. He got the job and received his certification in December after five months of training and completing a week's worth of practical and written tests on boilers, elevators and amusement rides.
H e said he takes Mr. Spitzer's advice to heart each time he steps onto an elevator.
"You have to be safe, because you're on your own on these things," he said. "I never worry too much about elevators, though. The amusement rides have a lot more accidents."
Reach Stephanie Toone at (706) 823-3215 or stephanie.toone@augustachronicle.com.
FULWIDER Q&A
Q: How many elevators are there in Richmond County?
A: "There are between 400 and 500 elevators in Richmond County."
Q: What's the oldest elevator in the area?
A: "Ruben's Department Store on Broad Street has one of the oldest elevators in the area. It's more than 50 years old."
Q: What should occupants look for in an elevator?
A: "Always check the inspection card in the elevator. If it's been more than a year, you should let someone at the location know. Elevators are pretty safe, so there's usually nothing to worry about."
The Augusta Chronicle ©2010 Morris Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Please check the elevator at Trinity Hospital nearest the inner wall. I was alone in it and it stopped . After pushing several buttons the doors finally opened gazing at Dr. Mulherin's Portrait (my baby doctor) I got off and have walked the stairs ever since. I was frightened beyond being able to ride an elevator again.
Oh, and Doctor's Hospital elevator is no better.... very scary-slow . I am not an elevator person...no matter how many stairs.