A Firefighter's Life

When a firefighter heads off to work, he seldom gives a second thought to whether he'll ever return home. He's been through this daily routine countless times, and everything has always worked out. And even though it's dangerous job, he feels confident that he'll be reunited with his family at the end of each day.

When the fires start to burn, the firefighter doesn't think about himself. He's too busy focusing on saving everyone else. And while people are rushing out of the burning building, he unselfishly goes in. He will do everything humanly possibly to bring every breathing creature out of that building. While some people might call him crazy, I simply call him brave.

I still fondly remember a photo from years ago. In it, a fireman was cradling a dog that he had just rescued from a burning house. I found it to be symbolic of the kind of people that they are: Tough as nails but at the same time, genuinely compassionate.

Who can ever forget the heroics of the rescue workers on September 11?

Sometimes it seems like they have shoulders of steel. But in reality, a firefighter's life is just as fragile as anyone's. And sadly, sometimes that family reunion at the end of the day never comes.......

There are certain individuals who truly make a difference in this world. And I would definitely put firefighters into that category. For anyone who's ever put on the turnout gear, I thank you.

This story is dedicated to the memory of Mark Falkenhan who tragically lost his life on Wednesday night while bravely trying to save others. His wife and sons lost a loving husband and father. Fellow firefighters lost a brother. And the community lost a hero.

My deepest condolences go out to his entire family.

KW