What is a firefighter? Everyday millions across the country watch as engines and trucks with lights and sirens race through the streets on the way to an emergency. Every child grows up playing with red toy fire trucks and red plastic fireman's hats. In school, children are taught fire safety every day with pictures of firefighters holding onto a baby or little child while climbing down a ladder. The first thoughts that come to mind when most think of the word "fireman" are "red", "dalmation", "pole", and "safety". And everyday, millions open their newspapers to read about a local fire that consumed a business or house, a heroic water rescue, or the untimely death of one of the nation's Bravest. But what is a firefighter?

Every day, thousands of men and women, put on their uniform or gear and respond to local emergencies. These people are mothers, fathers, spouses, siblings, neighbors, and friends of your local community aged anywhere from as young as 14 to the later years of a senior citizen. No longer are these people just responding to fires, but they are also responding to car accidents, searches, rescues, CPRs, standbys, and police actions. The every day duties of a modern day firefighter, whether they are a career professional or a volunteer, also include fire prevention seminars, visiting local school for demonstrations, checking local fire-alarm systems, and keeping up-to-date maps of local districts.

As time has progressed and the nations fire-service has grown older, changes continue to occur every day. Fire-prevention programs and fire-alarm systems are becoming more and more advanced helping to prevent loss of life and property. The nation's population continues to grow and age and as more and more medical advances breakthrough citizens in need are able to take advantage of these benefits. Because of the increasing need for medical services across the country and the decreasing number of fires, many fire departments are adopting EMS services as well. Many firefighters now also train to become certified as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to become a more valuable asset to their communities.

Additionally, as the nation's population continues to grow, the number of drivers on the roadway also continues to increase. Faster and bigger vehicles combined with the growing amount of drivers makes for a slowly but steadily increasing frequency of vehicle collisions. Firefighters respond to car accidents every day, many of which require use of hydraulic powered tools to extricate the occupants, to assist in providing care, securing the scene, and tending to any other needs on scene. Car accidents are often the best example of the persistent bonding between the EMS and fire services. Some even say the future of firefighters is on the roadway...

How do firefighters become firefighters? Each has taken the first step at some point in their lives and visited a local firehouse and asked about how to join. Then after the necessary steps for acception, whether it be an application or a civil service test, all have proceeded through many hours of training in all fields of service. Training never ends in the fire service and after these new "brothers" and "sisters" finish their preliminary training, they proceed to the next level. Not all firefighters fight fire, either. Some will focus on rescue techniques, EMS, training others, or take administrative roles.

Those who do choose to fight fires will continue to enter into environments too hot, too dark, and too noxious for anyone else. Wearing highly protective gear made of synthetic materials such as Nomex and PBI, these men and women will enter into structures of any shape or size to try and protect that property or rescue a victim who has become trapped. Fighting fire doesn't just apply to buildings. Thousands of professions and volunteers take to the nation's wildlands to help protect the areas we live when a fire gets out of hand. Often without the advantage of large quantities of water, these men and women will dig miles of dirt lines to try and stop an advancing fire. Often these firefighters will spend weeks on end, working 14-16 hour days, away from their families and friends in the wildland and mountainous areas miles from anything that resembles a traditional bed or even shelter.

The responsibilities and duties of modern day firefighters are extensive. Ranging from EMS to high-angle rescue, every day thousands across the country work to help others. Reasons for doing it vary. Everyone has their own. Regardless of the reason, one goal is in mind: to help those in need.