Firefighter Importance of
Fire fighters find solace in their work because it is guided by values and principles such as service to others, teamwork, and courage. Being engaged in a socially meaningful pursuit greater than finding personal fame or fortune promotes humility and self-esteem. It blunts the impact of negative events and helps fire fighters accept what can't be changed. Working on the front lines, where others fear to tread, allows them to distinguish between what is and what isn't important in life.
If you asked a dozen people what motivates someone to want to be a fire fighter, you'd probably get a dozen different answers. Many of us would agree that people who want to be fire fighters want to make a difference in the world; but there are some who would say that career fire fighters are vintage blue-collar trade unionists who are equally attracted to the work schedule and the job security. Hardly anyone would suggest people are in it for the money.
What child doesn't look up to fire fighters and admire their big red fire truck? They always have shiny equipment. You will often hear parents warn misbehaving children that the police will lock them up if they don't straighten out. Only good things are said about fire fighters. They often radiate pride and contentment, and encourage children to follow in their footsteps.
All emergency responders are subject to being called up, called back, or delayed without notice. They never know when they will be needed. Career fire fighters can catch a bad fire late in their shift, delaying their return home. Catastrophes, disasters, and major incidents all happen without warning and without any regard for the plans you have made. Fire fighter families have a lot to be proud of. Most have spent years pinch-hitting for their absent fire fighters and handling tough times alone.
Fire fighting is sometimes seen as more stressful and dangerous by families than by fire fighters themselves. TV dramas routinely feature plot lines in which there is no downtime or boredom-only countless crises, relentless danger, and endless acts of superhuman heroism-amplify these perceptions. And, of course, the events of September 11th reinforced and fortified everyone's fears. Many families of New York City fire fighters resented the hero image attributed to their spouses in the days following 9/11. They feared that making heroes of their husbands simply set them up for further danger because heroes don't have human limits.
There is no doubt about the value of the services fire fighters perform in their communities or the rewarding nature of such challenging work. It must be gratifying to know what to do in a crisis and to be able to act when others hold back. Fire fighters and their families have chosen to be part of something bigger than themselves, assuming risks so that others can feel secure.
