Firefighters deserve a certain future

As Chicago-area residents, we give our deepest condolences to the Boston Fire Department and their families on the line-of-duty deaths of two brave firefighters. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. We also pray for a speedy recovery to firefighters who suffered injuries fighting the massive fire. On the flip side we are thankful for the selfless bravery of the Houston firefighter who was videotaped rescuing a construction worker on the porch of a burning building - from the top of his ladder before the wall, in flames, collapsed inches from the ladder.

It is the heroic actions of firefighters in these recent scenarios that stretch the imagination of why anyone would perform these duties, while at the same time politicians are making great strides to take away their financial future. Why miss weekends, holidays and special events with friends and family for an uncertain future? Why would politicians try to take away pensions from the same people who risk death and injury so the citizens can sleep comfortably at night? Why would politicians divert previously allocated funds away from the investments that pay for these pensions, to satisfy short-term expenditures? Why would politicians take funds away from the same people who may one day save their lives? The firefighters have done their duty. It is time for politicians to pay them back.

Sean Herling

Mount Prospect