Training is at the heart of all firefighter safety. Readiness is the result. No matter what the exercise entails, it is often filled with extremes; high temperatures, smoke, grime, dirt, soaking wet sweat - coupled with heavy turnout gear that makes for back-breaking, and exhausting work. But you can't replace live fire drills with classroom and video instructions. Fire is the real deal. It's unforgiving to those with even the best intentions. Firefighters fight the elements best working as a team, choreographing their entire operation through difficult and challenging training. Few organizations base their entire mission on helping others in need, whether family, friend, neighbor, or stranger alike. But firefighters do. I'm honored to capture and document this commitment. There is much to learn about life from the selfless commitment displayed by firefighters. You'd be hard pressed to find a more genuine soul, and can tell a great deal about a community from the men and women who serve as their firefighters.
