Don't get upset yet, I am one. As my crew stood in the hot sun passing the boot for the families of fallen firefighters, it occurred to me that WE are not the heroes. I was warmed by the many comments like "God bless you" and "Thank you for what you do" "You guys are heroes". For the most part people were very generous. We got $20 bills from thugs in lowered pickups and $10 bills from toothless hillbillies and ashtray change from BMW driving soccer mom's and $100 bills from "Lonnie" in his Expedition. Some even wrote checks for $600 (their tax refund). Many just drove right through with only a wave. That's alright, they were on their way to the theatre and Home Depot and Target or to a restaurant to spend money. Money that we NEED to spend to keep our economy going.
Sure, we may risk our lives for strangers, but the real heroes are the one's making money and spending money in these tough times. Granted, my job has risks, but I get paid for it. My salary comes from taxpayers, the majority of whom will never require my services, yet they still love me for it. But John Q. Public, who runs the automart up the street has fifteen employees that he provides a wage to. They in turn feed their families, spend money that provides other jobs to other businesses and food to other families. Look what he has done for America lately, compare that to me.
I drive down the streets and kids give me the thumbs up, Joe Sixpack toots his horn and girls blow kisses. I get all the recognition I need for a job I love. My reward is that I get to drive a 30 ton ladder truck the wrong way down a one way street with siren screaming. What kid doesn't dream of that?
So all you employed, hard working Americans out there plugging away day after day...I am humbled and grateful, for you are the ones that deserve hero status. Keep up the good work, I'm going to try to also.
Gary Wirl
Firefighter/EMT
Company 15
Gwinnett County Georgia