Is being a fireman and getting paid for the job REALLY considered heroic by americans?

I kind of think that since they are getting a salary for helping people that what they are doing is not exactly heroic. opinions please

Is being a fireman and getting paid for the job REALLY considered heroic by americans?
They are risking their lives for others. There salary isn't as high as you might think.
Reply:Salary notwithstanding, they do risk their lives for others quite frequently. At times, some have lost their lives or become permanently injured in this occupation. How many other jobs do that?
Reply:It is one of the few professions that is not only excruciatingly dangerous, but dangerous in the service of others.





Do they really have to work for free to be heroes?? Why?








A very large percentage of firefighters in this country are volunteers. The work considerably fewer fires, at the same or higher level of risk,for no money. Are they more heroic because of it? Less.





They run into the unthinkable. Heroes. Paid or not.
Reply:Ah - would you do it?


I wouldn't and yes, I have done some firefighting training. But I'd rather do something safer. Even heroes have to eat.
Reply:I think there are a lot easier ways to earn the pittance they are paid. Ways that don't involve putting your life on the line on a regular basis.





Most fireman go way beyond what is required of them in a dangerous situation.





If they're running into a burning building to save MY butt, you can bet they're gonna be heroes to me.
Reply:Sorry it is.
Reply:Could YOU rush into a burning building? That would strike me a being very heroic!
Reply:you'll change your mind when they smash thru the door and pull you out....
Reply:Look igmo, how much would you charge to risk your life rushing into a burning building? Even more, how much would you charge to risk being burned, crippled, or seriously injured while rushing into a burning building to save strangers.





I guarantee you that your price is a danmed sight higher than the pay of a fireman. And FWIW, there are more unpaid volunteer fireman than professionals in this country.





The fact that fireman are paid does not change the fact that they are heroes. They put their lives on the line at every roll out. They don't do it for big money, because they don't get paid large amounts. They do it because they can't not do it. They have to put their lives on the line to help and protect others. They'd not be happy in any other profession. If that is not the definition of a hero in your book, maybe you need a new book.





It probably won't mean anything to you, but I lost a firefighter friend a few years ago. His name was Peter C. Martin. Pete was the Lieutenant in charge of Rescue #2 FDNY. Pete and his entire crew died in the collapse of the World Trade Center. When everyone with a lick of sense was running away from the building, Pete and his men were charging in. If that isn't heroism, I don't know what is. If you don't think it is heroic, I'll be glad to tell you where you can plant a big wet kiss.





Doc
Reply:It's a good job, they are paid very well. Many of these guys have alot of fun doing this kind of risky job. It's a very nice gig for the right guy. I would love to score a job like that.





That said, even though they are being paid well to do what they like doing, it is a heroic act to risk your life for a stranger.





In the case of the twin towers firemen...I'm sure alot of them knew they were going to die that day before they went up. Very brave and heroic.
Reply:It is heroic because what they are being paid does not equal to what they are doing. They can die any moment.

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