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5 Reasons Why Firefighters Are Heroes

Firefighters have been saving the lives of Americans since 1678. Although their techniques have changed since then, firefighters are still saving thousands of lives each year. Operation Warm has been teaming up with IAFF Firefighters since 2012. Together, these hometown heroes have distributed over 200,000 brand-new American made coats to children across the country.

At Operation Warm we definitely think firefighters are heroes, here’s five reasons why.

Firefighters Are Heroes Because They Run Towards the Danger

When there are fires and explosions, most people flee and run in the opposite direction. Firefighters, however, run towards them. When disaster strikes, firefighters are one of the first officials to reach the scene. Even in medical emergencies, firefighters are responding to the call.

Firefighters are courageous. They know that there’s a chance that things might not go their way. Yet, they push through and do it anyway. General Norman Schwarzkopf once said, “True courage is being afraid, and going ahead and doing your job anyhow, that's what courage is.”

Firefighters Are Heroes Because They Never Give Up

On average, firefighters will work 10, 24-hour shifts per month.

Firefighters also don’t get holidays off. When you’re curled up around the tree waiting for Santa, servicemen and women are out there keeping you safe. While your family is enjoying the fireworks this week, firefighters are on patrol. Besides running the shows, firefighters ensure that all safety regulations are in check to ensure that no one gets hurt.

Firefighters Are Heroes Because They’re Also Scientists

Not every fire starts with a match. In some cases, fires start when certain chemicals collide or when an electrical wire gets too hot. There a six known classes of fires. Some include gases, liquids, metals, and oils. Each one requires a different approach and it’s up to the firefighters to decipher which type of fire they’re dealing with.

After subduing the flames, firefighters are tasked with finding the cause. They discover the starting point of a fire by using their knowledge of fire and deductive skills. They use their scientific knowledge of chemistry, physics, and engineering to deduct where and when a fire started. Besides pinpointing the origin, firefighters can also determine if a fire was accident or arson.

Firefighters Are Heroes Because They Inspire Others

Think about all the little boys and girls on Halloween strutting around town in plastic red firefighter hats. Even when you were young, there was always one classmate or friend who wanted to be a firefighter when they grew up. Firefighters are inspirational. Every day they face new dangers and every day they find ways to fix them.

It takes a special kind of person to become a firefighter. They throw themselves out of windows, run through burning buildings and cut people out of cars. Firefighters see and experience things that affect them both mentally and physically. Despite this, they continue to do what they do.

Firefighters Are Heroes Because They Do More than Fight Fires

Being a firefighters means more than just battling blazes. Firefighters save people. Whether you’re hurt, stuck in a car, or stuck in a building, firefighters are there to help. They answer in catastrophes and car accidents. They even act as emergency medical technicians in some situations. Firefighters care for the sick and injured. They rescue pets, pull animals out of trees, and help the future generation stay warm.

Firefighters also work to prevent future fires from happening. They install fire alarms, create fire regulations, and teach children fire safety. Firefighters work tirelessly to ensure that their community is taken care of. Because being a firefighter isn’t about the glory or the money, it’s about how many lives you can change.

We are so grateful for our firefighter partners who work tirelessly to make a difference in their communities by supporting kids in need with brand new winter coats.

 

Join hundreds of fire departments across the country to give brand new coats to children in the communities you protect.

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Our Impact

  • Years of Service

    25

  • Total Children Served

    5,000,000+

  • Communities Served

    4,086

  • 2022-2023 Volunteer Hours

    125,000+

  • FedEx
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    Assistance League
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    IATSE
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    NYC
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    The Tepper Foundation
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    wawa
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