On March 24, 2025, I called emergency telephone number 911 to report a potential gas leak in our home. A dispatcher answered, she listened carefully, asked me a few questions, and noted that “the fire department is on the way.”
The phone call lasted about three minutes and we were instructed to leave the building. I told my father about the situation and we headed toward the door near the garage. Before I could open the door, there was a knock at the door, I opened it, and saw several firefighters standing there. The first responders were at our door in less than five minutes after my initial phone call to 911. They offered to help get my dad, who needs assistance, out of the house. All of this assistance transpired in the span of about 10 minutes, which seems remarkable to me. Many first responders made this emergency visit possible, and they left only after they knew we were safe to re-enter our home.
Over two decades ago, five firefighters named Garry Vredeveldt, Christopher Evans, Stuart Davidson, Jason Thomas, and Matthew Armstrong from Geelong West, Australia, were helping fight wildfires with their brethren from Linton, Victoria. Unfortunately, on December 2, 1998, the five men from Geelong West lost their lives when they were refilling their firetruck with water. An Australian fireman by the name JJ Edmonson proposed that these men be honored, and soon International Firefighters’ Day was established on May 4, 1999. This day honors firefighters around the world who are still in active duty today, those who had died during their service, and the firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. The day is also celebrated by patrons wearing a two-color ribbon in which blue (water) crosses over red (fire) to show support for firefighters globally.
The 2020 coin pictured above is titled “Brave.” It was struck at the Canberra Mint in Australia with a mintage of 40,000 pieces. Engraver Jody Clark from the Royal Mint of London designed the obverse and the reverse was crafted by Aleksandra Stokic from the Royal Australian Mint. The coin was originally sold in plastic and was issued on a card that depicts a fireman. The back of the card displays the specifications of the coin and the following message: “honour the more than 500 firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.”
I was grateful for the services the firefighters provided during their visit to our home. Dedicating one’s career to helping humanity takes a special commitment. Like those individuals who signed up to protect and serve humanity against fires. This field is not only limited to helping humans. With great speed, firefighters could be helping your choking dog or a cat stuck in a tree, and they frequently rescue wild animals from flaming hazards. The risks involved within this field are the highest possible. However, there are women and men that risk their lives everyday to ensure the public is protected.
Thank you to the firefighters all over the world for your service – past or present. Without you, the world would be at greater risk.