When I first started working for the state, we set up a couple of microwave communications links to remote locations. Since these links required the placement of dishes and electronics on the roofs of the buildings, service work occasionally needed to be done up on the roofs of these building.

Now, getting out on to the roofs of these buildings was a fairly simple task as they all had regular doors that provided easy access. Unfortunately, getting back off of the roof could be a challenge since the doors had locks on them just like any other outside building door. If you did not remember to prop open the door, you might find yourself locked out.

The state was not staffed for servicing the microwaves and consequently had a service contract with GTE. And, whenever we had a problem with one of the units, we would call GTE and they would come out and service it.

All of this worked fine until one day when the GTE serviceman forgot to prop open the roof door. As he was packing up his tools, he noticed that the roof door was shut. His worst fears were confirmed when he put his hand on the knob and discovered that it was indeed locked.

Sizing up the situation, he noticed that the hinges for the door were on the outside of the door. Grabbing his screwdriver, he began removing the screws to the hinges. As he was removing the last screw, which was on the bottom of the door, his screwdriver broke.

Unable to remove that last screw, he was now faced with the humiliation of having to call for help. Going over to the edge of the building, he began to holler at the people down below.

Since he was 5 stories off the ground and since the lawn was being mowed at the time, he had a difficult time calling for help. But, after about an hour, he got someones attention. They, in turn, notified the building manager, who quickly made his way to the roof.

Now, the building manager was not aware of the removed hinge screws so when he reached the access door he gave the knob a twist and pushed the door open. Without its hinges for guidance, the door careened wildly to one side and then dropped on to the roof ripping loose the remaining screw.

The building manager, both stunned and surprised, stood there staring at the door and wondering what had happened. The GTE serviceman was waiting at the door so when it popped open he thanked the building manger and made a hasty exit.