Nothing easy about being a firefighter

I want to commend Peter Biasco on his recent article (10/27/10) titled “Fire Lesson”. As a daughter of a former firefighter and now the mother of a firefighter I appreciated the article for its honest and factual viewpoint as a civilian/reporter getting a taste of firefighting.

There are many times I hear people say things about how “easy” it is to be a firefighter. When I hear this I reply with a quick answer would you put your life on the line for a stranger and run into a burning building not knowing if you will come out?

Most people don't answer because they can't. I explain how firefighters train continuously for their own safety and the public's. People just do not understand exactly what a day is like for a firefighter; I wish everyone can experience this just one time like Mr. Biasco did.

Please remember when it's 2 a.m., or anytime, and an outside temperature  that is cold or hot, that when the tones go off in a station, these men/women are ready to do whatever it takes all the while we are nestled in our beds fast asleep; firefighting is not a 9 to 5 job.

Thank you, Mr. Biasco, from this proud mother of her son and firefighters everywhere, for sharing your experience of firefighting. I am hoping more people will appreciate their fire department and be a little more knowledgeable after reading this article.

Bette Wilmot

Hoffman Estates