The sight of a fire truck barreling down the street, sirens wailing, and lights flashing, always captures the attention of people of all ages. For decades, firefighters have ranked among the nation's greatest heroes, but never more so than after the attacks on the World Trade Center, when more than 300 of them lost their lives. As Ronald Siarnicki, president of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, says, "I can only hope that our nation never forgets those individuals, what they have done for us, and most of all, what they represent to our life, our society; and to our nation."
"Good firefighters have certain traits," he says.
"They are honest, responsible, accountable, and self-disciplined. They have to be--because a mistake made at a fire can be fatal."
Bradford explains with a perfect example of how firefighters show these qualities--and more.
"Firefighters do a lot more than just put out fires," he says. "For example, in Arizona, we are also emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Not long ago, a man had a heart attack while he was repaying his driveway. Firemen arrived with the ambulance, and after the man was on his way to the hospital, we stayed behind and finished his cement job before it could dry."
Firefighters are trained to deal with a variety of disasters. "We are there to protect life and property and be willing to give our lives for it," says Bradford. "In other words, we are called on to do everything you would want us to do for your mom or dad. We work as paramedics, and we are deeply involved with the community; providing education and tours for the public." Bradford teaches a variety of classes about fires to high schools, nursing homes, and churches through the station's Community Outreach and Partnership Programs.
Becoming a firefighter takes a unique combination of skills--physical stamina, emotional strength, incredible courage, and quick thinking. According to Dean Bradford, an Arizona firefighter and teacher, it also requires a good sense of morality and ethics.
"Good firefighters have certain traits," he says.
"They are honest, responsible, accountable, and self-disciplined. They have to be--because a mistake made at a fire can be fatal."
Bradford explains with a perfect example of how firefighters show these qualities--and more.
"Firefighters do a lot more than just put out fires," he says. "For example, in Arizona, we are also emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Not long ago, a man had a heart attack while he was repaying his driveway. Firemen arrived with the ambulance, and after the man was on his way to the hospital, we stayed behind and finished his cement job before it could dry."
Firefighters are trained to deal with a variety of disasters. "We are there to protect life and property and be willing to give our lives for it," says Bradford. "In other words, we are called on to do everything you would want us to do for your mom or dad. We work as paramedics, and we are deeply involved with the community; providing education and tours for the public." Bradford teaches a variety of classes about fires to high schools, nursing homes, and churches through the station's Community Outreach and Partnership Programs.
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