Firemen Tribute

In this space, I've written about referees, umpires, politicians, used car salesmen, preachers, and coaches.   I've written about policemen, soldiers, and teachers.   But I've never written about firemen.

Gotta fix that.

Firemen are usually invisible until you need them.   Those of us old enough might remember the fire truck in the 4th of July parade somewhere (do they still do that?) and maybe we were lucky enough for them to have a Dalmatian sitting proudly up front.   But for the most part, when only see them when there is a crisis.

It used to be that "fireman" was one of things children aspired to be, along with policemen and jet pilots.   I'm not sure that's as true anymore and I don't really know why.   My kids wanted to be doctors and professional athletes.

But what an admirable profession!   Being a fireman must be one of the most honorable professions available to us.   Anytime there is something bad that happens, a fireman shows up.

A fire?   Of course.  A car wreck or other accident?   Many times, the fireman is the first one there.   A chemical spill?   The fireman.    Find a meth lab?  Yep, call the Fire Department.

Going places (like into the heart of a fire) that we don't want to go.   Doing things that put their well-being and life in jeopardy.   I am in awe of what they do for us yet they don't get the credit they deserve.

For a moment, let me tell you a little bit about what life as a fireman is like.   Most of the time, you are not battling a fire, saving a life, or attending an injury.   Most of the time, you are at the fire station, making sure that your equipment is in perfect working order and preparing for the notification that you are needed somewhere.

Many of those firemen end up injured.   It is one thing to rush into a burning building--that is just pure bravery--but it's another to carry someone out of that same building, maybe  a full-sized adult that is unconscious. 

Or to assist with the extraction of an accident victim in a fast flowing stream or on the side of a steep bank.   Add to that the dangers inherent to fighting fires (burns, smoke inhalation, collapsing structures) and you can understand the safety concerns.

Then you add the stress of going from zero to 90 in an instant when the alarm comes in...well, the health of our firefighters is important.

My message today is two-fold.   First, if you know a fireman, seek them out and thank them for what they are prepared to do on your behalf every day.

And if you are a fireman, let me encourage you to take care of yourself.   It is important for all of us that you stay healthy and strong.   Physical fitness should be high on your priority list.    Weight control, strength training, conditioning, flexibility--your job demands all those things.

We really just want to keep you around.