Sacrifice

EMT’s, firefighters, paramedics, police officers, these are professions that are recognized for their role in public service.  Stimulation of the adrenal gland seems to be a common bond shared by all in the profession.  The willingness to go into situations that are continually changing and often dangerous is a unique calling card.  It is for those who enjoy adversity and chaos mixed together over ice in a highball glass.  Never knowing what is waiting for you on the end of that radio call is standard.  The people in these professions are able to perform Herculean tasks, akin to the herding of cats, on a daily basis.  (It is rumored that cats are difficult to herd) 

            There is down time, make no mistake.  There is lot of waiting around for the next call while watching that show from the 70’s Emergency.  While this is on, the medics would marvel at all of the outrageous situations the Rampart crews got into.  It was like Flipper with fire trucks, very 70’s, and very cheesy.  If the television is not entertaining, enough there is always an ongoing battle between the members of the crew for wittiest and most outrageous practical joke.  The gloves come off when it comes to joking around.

            It is not all down time, to be sure.  In fact, when it is hot it is very hot, like walking on the sun.  A bad day in these professions makes Murphy’s Law the norm along with Peter’s Principle.  When situations go south, they do so in a rapid manner that would even put a veteran cat herder to task.  Again, some people love this challenge and rush of doing a great job under extremely stressful situations.

            Sean Tallon was one of the firefighters that responded to the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11.  This was just another day at the office in the Big Apple for Ladder Company 10.  He entered Tower 1, in the “b” stairwell and advanced immediately to the 31st floor.  Tower 2 collapsed minutes later.  It was at this point FDNY Capt. Paul Mallery ordered the immediate evacuation of Tower 1.