I was surprised to read Douglas Gantenbein's excellent editorial attacking the firefigher-hero myth. I'm in near total agreement, and very surprised to see such views actually voiced. Update: I should add that I grew up a few blocks from the Ideal Township fire company... many of whom were later arrested for arson. Seems they were too impatient to wait for a fire to put out. Judging by the people I went to school with who became firemen (volunteer or otherwise) I'd wager this is not an isolated incident.