What is a Fire Fighter?

Yeah, I know...a dumb title, but is it really? If you know Nancy and I at all, you'll realize, I was a paid Firefighter in Phoenix AZ. for over 25 years. A GREAT 25 years. I loved my job and going to the fire station EVERY SINGLE DAY (or shift).
I do not believe Fire Fighters received the respect they deserved until AFTER September 11th, 2001. 343 Firefighters dead attempting to rescue people from the burning and collapsing Twin Towers. They literally had to push their way up the stairs through the flood of folks scrambled down the stairs. I have FDNY retired friends who drove for three days (straight) to NYC and dug out the bodies and body parts of their friends and co-workers. Some of them are now sick from the dust the inhaled in the rubble.
The Fire Service is a VERY tight family. And we do almost everything for each other. Sometimes it is tighter than your own family.
Firefighters, and Police, are a breed to themselves. I put them on the same level as our military. Are they normal? I think so. I believe they have a sense of obligation and responsibility to their community. Are they crazy? Maybe, a little. Who runs into a burning building while everyone else is running out? Are they afraid? I think they are somewhat, but with the right training and equipment (and I emphasize TRAINING) they can perform their duties in a superior manner. Firefighter don't run into burning buildings because they want to tease death, it because they want to save your possessions and/or your life. They are not out to be a hero, or receive an award. It's their job. No matter if they are paid or volunteer...they still are doing their job. More than 70% of America's fire fighters are volunteer. Explain that... 70% of America's firefighter run into burning buildings for little or no money? Does that make you feel humbled? It should!
Firefighting is the second oldest profession in the world, and least paid for their tasks. We all know what is the first.
But today, firefighter battle a different devil. Today it's TB. More firefighter test positive for TB than ANY other profession. When firefighters began taking over the EMS in the USA, their rate of TB rose 700%. In most communities, firefighters are paid less than the neighborhood garbage man. I would never take anything away from the garbage man, but do you think that is right? I am sure putting up with that odor all day is pretty bad.
My point, you ask? Show the firefighters and the Police some respect. They ARE our first line responders in ANY diseaster and the ones who put their lives on the line daily and sometimes hourly for you, me, my family and your family. Some get paid for that, some don't. At least you can do is say...THANKS! They will appreciate it and tell you...IT'S MY JOB.
Pictures are: Me coming out of a mobile home fire after falling through the floor and my graduation in 1977 from the academy and my Nancy pinning my badge on.