Are cops, military and firemen heroes?

[PoorManQ45]

Heroes seems to be thrown around easily when you'e talking about the military, law enforcement or firemen.

[Xdisaster240sX]

I would say it depends on their actions and dutys while serving.

[Mr1der]

^^^ what he said.

some people rise to the occasion regardless of their profession.

[bigbadberry3]

Case by case but I'd give them the benefit probably.

[rc1honda]

Heroes seems to be thrown around easily when you'e talking about the military, law enforcement or firemen.

Holy trollface batman. You bored or somethin PMQ

[Dattebayo]

I wouldn't give it to them automatically. Personally, I believe most cops to be people who got picked on a lot when they were younger.
Firemen have a different status because of the whole volunteer thing, I'm not sure what to make of it. But I'd put them above all else because authority has little to do with the job.
And I find that military is often people who are looking for glory or some such other thing. If you pay attention to the commercials, that's what they push about it, anyway...

[mmkeller]

If they go above and beyond what is called for, yes they're heroes. If they devote a lifetime of service, yes they're heroes.

[Ace2cool]

And I find that military is often people who are looking for glory or some such other thing. If you pay attention to the commercials, that's what they push about it, anyway...

While I don't deny that the commercials seem to "glorify" the service, I don't believe that is why most people join. When I was in boot camp, they asked every last one of us why we joined. Out of 82 people in my boot camp division, at least 35 said for college, and at least another 25 said to give back to the country. ~5 were to get out of jail, and the rest were random other reasons. I'd say there were only 2 people who seemed like that was there goal. To achieve glory.

That being said, it does take quite a bit more than the average person has in them to do a lot of the stuff most military personnel deal with on a daily basis. The super strict rules, regulations, ect. alone is enough to drive just about anyone mad. That, and the inherent dangers you are aware of when you sign your name on the dotted line at MEPS. I work underneath turning (engines running) jet aircraft almost daily. All it takes is the pilot sneezing and bumping the control stick to take off my arm, paralyze me for life, or even kill me.

I'm not trying to say everyone who joins is immediately a "hero," but there's definitely something special to be said about joining the service in the first place. The word "Hero," however, is earned, not awarded to someone who can pass through boot camp.

[krimsonviper]

And I find that military is often people who are looking for glory or some such other thing. If you pay attention to the commercials, that's what they push about it, anyway...

While I don't deny that the commercials seem to "glorify" the service, I don't believe that is why most people join. When I was in boot camp, they asked every last one of us why we joined. Out of 82 people in my boot camp division, at least 35 said for college, and at least another 25 said to give back to the country. ~5 were to get out of jail, and the rest were random other reasons. I'd say there were only 2 people who seemed like that was there goal. To achieve glory.

That being said, it does take quite a bit more than the average person has in them to do a lot of the stuff most military personnel deal with on a daily basis. The super strict rules, regulations, ect. alone is enough to drive just about anyone mad. That, and the inherent dangers you are aware of when you sign your name on the dotted line at MEPS. I work underneath turning (engines running) jet aircraft almost daily. All it takes is the pilot sneezing and bumping the control stick to take off my arm, paralyze me for life, or even kill me.

I'm not trying to say everyone who joins is immediately a "hero," but there's definitely something special to be said about joining the service in the first place. The word "Hero," however, is earned, not awarded to someone who can pass through boot camp.

^ Spot on and what I was about to say. About 70% of the people I know that joined was to just get out of town and have something done in their life, not to go out and save countries and kill terrorists. The other percent is similar one guy in particular that I know who I think is a complete moron and can turn drinking a glass of water into a competition.

I wouldn't automatically deem any of the listed men and women the O.P stated as heroes except for the firemen. A few of that bunch are a bit of thrill seekers like our buddy Gheyler, but I'd have to say a majority of them do it to make a difference. That once again includes Gheyler.

Thank you Gheyler, now come save me from a burning bush.

[Dattebayo]

When I was in boot camp, they asked every last one of us why we joined. Out of 82 people in my boot camp division, at least 35 said for college, and at least another 25 said to give back to the country. ~5 were to get out of jail, and the rest were random other reasons. I'd say there were only 2 people who seemed like that was there goal. To achieve glory.

I don't hold people to the standard that they actually say what they mean more than 20% of the time. I'm quite sure what immediately attracted them to it was to achieve personal glory. See this doesn't have to be getting out there and killing enemies, this could also just be making a name for yourself. I was also going to say that a large portion do it because they won't get anywhere any other way, but I thought that would be too much all at once. Now I see i should have said it first.

[Dattebayo]

If they devote a lifetime of service, yes they're heroes.

I don't accept this either, because anyone can do a job for a lifetime if they have good work ethics... I wouldn't call the same mailman I've had for the last 20 years a hero.

I think people really throw the "hero" title around too much.

[themadscientist]

The mailman risks sprinklers and dog attack. Firemen, Policemen, and armed forces risk death. Your argument is fallacious. As someone who has served their country I can tell you the military has the same cross section of people. Some gallant people of character, some knucklehead losers, I would wager the police and fire departments have a similar demographic representation. The similarity, though, is they all agreed to commit to a profession that may cost them their lives and for the benefit of others. People like you who equate a lifetime of service in uniform to carrying f*** letters.

You're welcome.

[skydragoness]

The mailman risks sprinklers and dog attack. Firemen, Policemen, and armed forces risk death. Your argument is fallacious. As someone who has served their country I can tell you the military has the same cross section of people. Some gallant people of character, some knucklehead losers, I would wager the police and fire departments have a similar demographic representation. The similarity, though, is they all agreed to commit to a profession that may cost them their lives and for the benefit of others. People like you who equate a lifetime of service in uniform to carrying f**king letters.

You're welcome.

[Dattebayo]

People like you who equate a lifetime of service in uniform to carrying f**king letters.

Oh, come on. Don't get all out of round because I used an example you don't like.

[mmkeller]

If they devote a lifetime of service, yes they're heroes.

I don't accept this either, because anyone can do a job for a lifetime if they have good work ethics... I wouldn't call the same mailman I've had for the last 20 years a hero.

I think people really throw the "hero" title around too much.

Well, I was referring to the OP 3 professions listed. I agree with you that a mailman would hardly be considered a hero.

[themadscientist]

People like you who equate a lifetime of service in uniform to carrying f**king letters.

Oh, come on. Don't get all out of round because I used an example you don't like.

Funnily enough, I am getting rounder. I really need to work out.

Your example is not effective. The three example professions share a level of risk and commitment at their most basic level that your fourth does not. There is no common denominator so your equation does not deliver a correct answer.

[themadscientist]

I agree with you that a mailman would hardly be considered a hero.

If he's bringing me my latest copy of Madscientist's quarterly he's my hero. I hear they are doing an article on deathrays and effective ways to extort ransoms from world bodies not to use them.

[Ace2cool]

Your example is not effective. The three example professions share a level of risk and commitment at their most basic level that your fourth does not. There is no common denominator so your equation does not deliver a correct answer.

I love the way you put things, Mad.

[PoorManQ45]

Heroes seems to be thrown around easily when you'e talking about the military, law enforcement or firemen.

Holy trollface batman. You bored or somethin PMQ

[Jesda]

Its a complicated question.

Most of our military are dedicated. Some of them are morons. Several come from backgrounds where it was their only viable option, so the question of "sacrifice" has to bring into question what it is they're giving up. You could argue that the person putting off Yale for a few years to join the air force makes a bigger sacrifice than someone who comes from nothing and joins the front lines.


If its the question of life, yes, its a *potential* sacrifice for everyone enlisted, but I can tell you that my roommate, an air guard cook who can barely tie his shoes, is NOT a hero. I'll be god damned if his dumb a** is categorized as such.


The potential loss of life alone isn't enough of a reason to call someone a hero. You're more likely to die from driving on an American road at rush hour than serving in Pakistan. Commuting isn't exactly heroic.


The honest answer isn't one that feels good: "Its complicated."

[AZhitman]

Uh, didn't we have this thread a year or so ago?

[Ace2cool]

air guard cook

Not even gonna go there, on either accounts.

[ADDirishboy]

Uh, didn't we have this thread a year or so ago?

This.

KV, I would say the majority of firefighters are in it for the thrill. Yes, I take pride in saving lives. Its a great feeling, but not the reason I'm in the business.

As far as firefighters being heroes, the only ones I consider to be heroes are the ones who give their lives in the line of duty trying to save a life. The 343 are the ultimate heroes, and I have the greatest respect for them.

Have I been called a hero? Yes. This morning, actually, after we saved a neighborhood from burning and the families were able to go home. Does that make me a hero? Not in the slightest.

I'm no hero. I'm a firefighter. That's all.

[Jesda]

A year or so ago? Heck, make it ninth grade for me, when we studied Campbell.

[PoorManQ45]

Uh, didn't we have this thread a year or so ago?

It was longer then that.

Ive missed y'all.

[hannibal]

I think a hero is anyone that has the means to positively impact the lives of others and willingly performs those duties.

Ask someone whose home or family member was saved by a fireman. They'll tell you he's a hero.

Ask a little kid who swam out too far at the beach (or his parents), and they'll tell you the lifeguard is a hero.

To me, it's about being in a position to help someone, and just doing your best to assist regardless of the personal risks.

In my lifetime, I think Ive had the opportunity to be a hero three times. The first time, I recognized a situation and reacted and know I made a difference the lives of three people. The other two times, I failed to react quickly enough. No one died as a result, but I wasn't as helpful as I could have been. I'll never forget those experiences. They taught me to be ready for anything.

[Mr1der]

air guard cook

Not even gonna go there, on either accounts.

[carloslebaron]

Hero: a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities

So, a pilot of a war plane from NATO delivers bombs to a building full with women and children and hundreds of innocent died because the bombing, and after that the plane suffers of a failure and crash and our pilot died...surely he is not a hero...

[CA18DER]

A hero is an INDIVIDUAL... you cannot become an instant hero just by joining a group.

I get sick and tired of military personel being glorified just because of serving. Like someone stated previously, most people join now for the benefits or lack of anything else going for them. There are more barely 18 year old douchebags in the service than ever. We all know plenty of them from high school. Sure, you have plenty of respectable "heroes" in the military, but you also have tons of people who have not earned the title. It must be earned! It wouldn't be such a strong word if it were as easy as signing a contract. The word HERO has lost it's substance just like EPIC thanks to the internet. Also, my opinion (for the most part) is that being part of the military isn't as "heroic" as it used to be anyway. We are no longer "fighting for freedom" like they always use and everyone gets tired of f*** hearing it... we are only "policing" the world now.

I contemplated joining after high school, but I came to realize that there wasn't anything left worth fighting for right now. I will not be a sheep sent to carry out unneccesary tasks to benefit a nations strategic viewpoint when the nation is not acting in defense. I am not against war either, I actually admire the history of war... there will always be war because it is part of life. Although the war history I admire are the tales of nations/groups defending themselves, not unnecessary offensive campaigns. I would be the aggressive guy on the frontlines if I ever felt like I should be, because I am a courageous soul. Maybe one day I will feel the need to join the military, but for now I don;t feel like I would be anything more than a pawn in this nations situation.

Although firemen are more easily seen as heroes, they still have to prove themselves and earn it, as well as police officers. We need these guys holding down the homefront more than we need the military anyways. There is no reason to progress a country's expansions further if the country itself isn't stable. So... good job guys who serve in public safety!

Once again though, I am not anti-war, I just think today we areplaying offense and not defense(for the most part). Hell, I wish all the time that I could have been a soldier in medieval times, in WW2, or during the American Revolution. War is heroic during times of defense, when you fight for what you believe in, not when you listen to what you are told to do. YOU YOURSELF MAKE A HEROIC DECISION, SOMEONE CANNOT MAKE IT FOR YOU!

/RANT

[hannibal]

This guy is a hero...
soldier-fights-off-30-taliban-soldiers-t534359.html