I appreciate the citizen’s opinion that was published in a recent Mountain Xpress on the life of a firefighter [“We Become Heroes by Saving,” Aug. 31]. However, I believe that the citizen is a bit misinformed.
One of the main arguments made was that people in other professions die every day and do not get the same praise as the firefighter who passed away at 445 Biltmore this summer. This is true and sad. There are people that help others every day that do not get nearly as much praise as they should. However, this should not be a reason to bash a profession that does seem to get the respect it deserves.
Firefighters go to work knowing that they are going to be risking their lives to save others. One-third of their life is spent like this, leaving their family for sometimes days on end to help and save others that they don't even know.
It is true that Asheville does not have as many fires as other larger cities, but going into burning buildings is not their only job. Firefighters respond to every medical 911 call in their district at all times of the day and night. Most are certified EMTs and are the first to respond to any medical emergency. Many have saved peoples’ lives not only inside fires but outside of fires as well.
In conclusion, I recommend the next time you decide to go on a rant about government employees you do a little more research in what the job description actually entails. You will never know when one of these firefighters will be helping you.
— Casey Greger
Asheville
