Firefighters have been saving the lives of Americans since 1678. Although their techniques have changed since then, firefighters are still saving thousands of lives each year. Firefighters are often expected to be able to treat injuries like a combat medic; mitigate spilled chemicals as a professional chemist would; plan for emergencies at the level of a military planner; fight every fire, and rescue all who are in danger. Yet we often take firefighters for granted. We assume they’ll always be there, on call, 24/7.
Describing firefighters without using the word “hero” would be tough. They regularly put their own lives on the line to save other lives and protect property. Much of their work is physically exhausting, mentally demanding, and highly dangerous. Here are four reasons that confirm the “hero” designation for firefighters.
(1) Firefighters Are Heroes Because They Run Towards the Danger
When there are fires and explosions, most people flee and run in the opposite direction. Firefighters, however, run towards them. When disaster strikes, firefighters are one of the first officials to reach the scene. Firefighters are courageous. They know that there’s a chance that things might not go their way. Yet, they push through and do it anyway. General Norman Schwarzkopf once said, “True courage is being afraid, and going ahead and doing your job anyhow, that’s what courage is.”
(2) Firefighters Are Heroes Because They Never Give Up
On average, firefighters will work 10, 24-hour shifts per month. Firefighters also don’t get holidays off. When you’re curled up around the tree waiting for Santa, fire men and women are often out there keeping you safe. While your family is enjoying the fireworks on the 4th of July, firefighters are on patrol. Besides running the shows, firefighters ensure that all safety regulations are in check to ensure that no one gets hurt.
(3) Firefighters Are Heroes Because They Inspire Others
Think about all the little boys and girls on Halloween strutting around town in plastic red firefighter hats. Even when you were young, there was always one classmate or friend who wanted to be a firefighter when they grew up. Firefighters are inspirational. Every day they face new dangers and every day they find ways to fix them.
It takes a special kind of person to become a firefighter. They throw themselves out of windows, run through burning buildings and cut people out of cars. Firefighters see and experience things that affect them both mentally and physically. Despite this, they continue to do what they do.
(4) Firefighters Are Heroes Because They Do More than Fight Fires
Being a firefighter means more than just battling blazes. Firefighters save people. Whether you’re hurt, stuck in a car, or stuck in a building, firefighters are there to help. They answer in catastrophes and car accidents. They even act as emergency medical technicians in some situations. Firefighters care for the sick and injured. They rescue pets, pull animals out of trees.
Firefighters also work to prevent future fires from happening. They install fire alarms, create fire regulations, and teach children fire safety. Firefighters work tirelessly to ensure that their community is taken care of. Because being a firefighter isn’t about the glory or the money, it’s about how many lives you can change.
Can we ever express enough gratitude for how often they put their own lives at risk to save others?
We are dedicating this issue of the Good News Journal to the brave men and women of our local EMS and Fire Departments. Join us in saluting these heros. The next time you see a firefighter, thank them for their service to the community and pray that God will give them strength and supernatural protection every day.
Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”