The Myth of the Modern Day Hero

I work in a profession that is often praised and sometimes maligned. After Sept. 11 suddenly world wide we became heroes.

I've always been somewhat uncomfortable with that appellation . You see, I don't know any heroes. Most of the firefighters that I know are dedicated professionals. They are for the most part common working men, few are university educated, although firefighters with degrees are becoming less rare. We pride ourselves on our professionalism and our ability to cope in stressful situations.

There is, in my opinion something that sets us apart from most people. Not everyone, regardless of their bravery can be a successful firefighter. The difference is rather unnoticeable, until the occasion arises. We don't panic, we have the ability to keep our heads when others loose them so to speak.

The overly heroic John Wayne type seldom lasts in our profession. They are not team players, and firefighters cannot survive without working as a team.

We are also imbued with the most horrible sense of gallows humour. Things you would think ghastly to even contemplate are the subject of the most tasteless humour amongst the brethren.

More on this later......