Okay, so the engineer at my fire station is installing the remanufacturered alternator on my step-son's '98 Regal LS tomorrow. He asked for nothing in return but I want to compensate him. Would handing him an envelope with cash at the end be acceptable? How much should I give? Never done anything like this before, so I don't want to offend either way (no cash given or too little/much cash). Thanks!

Beer?

Cash and beer are both good in this situation, but is there something you can do for him that he can't/won't do for himself?

That sort of exchange is the best if you can determine a way to make it happen.

I've done similar things for friends and felt more than compensated by being fed a home-cooked meal - which is something I just don't do for myself.

Well, he's a young guy (early 20s?) that's into Jeeps. He has a newer lifted and decked out Jeep Wrangler, so I know he enjoys working on that. I know he goes to bars and gets chicks, but that's about it. While I seen him around the station, he took over the job as station engineer in December so I only knew him as a firefighter/EMT prior to this year. Without asking, I don't know too much about his persoanl life.

You could always invite him over for a home cooked dinner or go with the beer or better yet, if there is a 4wheelparts store close by, give him a gift card so he could get something for his jeep.

Food

Swapping an alternator is what- a 15 min job (pop off the belt/wire, undo 2-3 bolts, reverse procedure)? Via an online pic, it looks like you don't even have to remove the engine cover (if so equipped).

I would think $25 is excellent vs. time spent (if it's around that for him), then he can decide what to spend it on.

A few bucks and some good beer!

Food

I'm going with food as well. Good answer.

Trip to Hooters gratis with a few beers.

Trip to Hooters gratis with a few beers.

I like this idea, or anything similar after "hey lets go grab a drink and food, thanks" kind of thing.

Well, "Steve" installed the remanufactured alternator last Saturday and the car sounds and operates much better. A $25 gift card for a local sports bar/grille was given as my token of appreciation. I can cook but I don't think that is something he'd want. I figured a lot of the firefighters talk about the bar and wings at this place, and it's a local business, so I would support them by having him go there for some "refreshment".

Thanks to all that offered your suggestions and advice

Good move. The gift card sounds nice too, can go whenever.