WRITTEN BY : Asst. Chief, Ralph Westerburg 10/30/00
Our heroes of yesterday have lost their luster.
Almost daily the headlines remind us how unwise
it is to put our faith in sports legends. Or movie
stars. Politicians. Or captains of industry. So
where are the role models of today for our sons
and daughters?
We have a suggestion. There is a group of people
we tend to take for granted. There is no special
day set aside in their honor, that we know of.
No TV series dedicated to their heroism. No
organized national recognition of their importance
to every community in the U.S. - big or small.
Without fanfare, they do their job. Sometimes
putting their lives on the line in the process.
There is much to admire about these men and women.
From part-time rural volunteer to full-time big-city
professional. From the trainee to the Chief. From
the fire fighter to the fire marshal.
To even qualify for this demanding work, they have
to be physically strong. Dedicated. Intelligent.
Resourceful. Highly motivated. And, yes, unselfish.
Because they're certainly not in it for the money.
At a time when many of us bemoan the lack of heroes,
we suggest all of us look down the street to the men
and women who protect you and your neighborhood from
the ever-present dangers of fire.
Those role models for our kids? They've been there all along.
God bless the fire fighters of America.
