Heroes in a Box: Police Officers and Firefighters

The focus of my "Heroes in a Box" project are people that you and I constantly take for granted: police officers, and firefighters. These people earn the title "hero" because they risk their lives to protect us, everyday. And we, as a society, would not be able to function without them. For this, they deserve our respect and appreciation. Police officers' and firefighters' heroism can be summarized through pictures, poems, quotes, and videos.

POLICE OFFICERS:

The video above betters our understanding of heroes because it illustrates how police officers risk their lives to save others. I chose this video because it shows some of the dangers that police officers face and it teaches the viewer that there is more to law enforcement than meets the eye.

"Heroes"

By Christina L. Dockery

Heroes get up each day,

To dress in blue,

They patrol our streets,

Watching our cities,

Keeping us safe each day.

Making a difference,

We often overlook.

How many have we forgotten?

How many are gone,

Lost in the line of duty?

We wait 'til it's too late,

To acknowledge all they've done,

To give them our respect.

The least we can do,

Is give them their due,

Until we lose another,

Hero dressed in blue.

"Heroes" is a well written poem with a lot of meaning. It's theme discusses acknowledging police officers' work before it's too late. This betters our understanding of heroism because it shows that heroes appreciate recognition. After all, being a hero is not an easy task and it's nice to be thanked once in a while.

FIREFIGHTERS:

I chose the picture above because it betters our understanding of what it means to be a firefighter. Large fires like the one in the picture are not easy to control and require a great deal of courage to fight. All great heroes have courage and need to be able to face situations with a cool head.

“I have no ambition in this world but one, and that is to be a fireman. The position may, in the eyes of some, appear to be a lowly one; but we who know the work which the fireman has to do believe that his is a noble calling. Our proudest moment is to save lives. Under the impulse of such thoughts, the nobility of the occupation thrills us and stimulates us to deeds of daring, even of supreme sacrifice.”

This quote shows that firefighters are willing to sacrifice themselves for the well-being of others. Again, it illustrates a firefighter's courage and willingness to save others. It betters our understanding of heroism because it discusses many characteristics that a hero should have. I chose thi quote because it shows the reader that firefighters are primarily concerned for the safety of others and deserve the title "hero."

CONCLUSION:

Police officers and firefighters form the base of our society. Without them, life would be chaotic and distraught. The world would no longer be a pleasant place to live. Thankfully these men and women exist and protect us from the evils of the world. Police officers and firefighters should be acknowledged for their bravery, courage, and commitment.