Can we stop referring to FF's as heroes. Here is my definition of hero: someone who goes beyond the scope of their training and equipment and puts themselves in harms way to come to the aid of another.
Fire fighters have fire proof clothing and extensive training on how to use it and not get killed doing it. That does not stand up to the term hero.
The untrained guy that pulls someone from a burning car is a hero.
Seriously?!?! My DH is a firefighter and I think he is a hero. You tell me that just because he is trained to save someone life that doesn't make him a hero. When he saves that child from the pool and bring them back, is he not a hero in those parents eyes. When he saves the family pet from a fire, is he not a hero in that families eye? Yes he chose this profession. Not for the money, but because he loves it.
My DH puts his life on the line every day he goes into to work. I don't know if that day is going to be a day that I am going to get a call that he was killed in a burning bldg or on scene of a car accident, or that patient he responded to suddenly pulls a gun and kills him.
Same could be said for Police Officers.
Hopefully that never happens to anyone.
So in that case how about a teacher. That teacher that taught children to read, to add, etc. To me that is a hero!
That scientist who found a cure for some disease, that is a hero to me!
Also, how about the accountant they found some hidden deductions and saved me a ton on money on my taxes! I love that man! He was totally my hero!
A hero has so many different definitions in my book.
Also, in that case I appreciate our Military and the job that they do away from their families and the danger they are in everyday.
Do I think that we are entitled to "free" things? No, but people like to be recognized for the wonderful job that you do whether it is a police officer, firefighter, accountant, teacher, etc. That is human nature.