Fire Department, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

I don't think I'm the type of person who would run into buildings on fire to rescue people - but I'm mighty glad we have selfless lifesavers who will do that - the men and women of the Plymouth Fire Department. I had the opportunity to visit them recently with a small group from the Plymouth Digital Photographers Club. Battalion Chief and Training and Safety Officer Anthony Thompson showcased the equipment, techniques, and personnel of the Headquarters Station in downtown Plymouth.

When somebody calls 911 or pulls a firebox alarm - the firefighters come to help.

The dispatcher works from this control center to deploy the resources and coordinate with other agencies to respond to whatever emergency needs attention.

Here, in a relaxed moment, are a few of those able folks who keep us safe.

And yes, they still slide down the shiny brass pole if they are upstairs in their quarters when an alarm comes in...

...and at the bottom of the pole, they step into their boots, pull up their suspenders, put on their coats, and jump into the trucks ......

.....and away they go with their clean and well-maintained equipment.

On today's visit to the fire station, the 100-foot electric ladder looks nice extended against an empty blue sky - a sort of stairway to heaven - but imagine climbing this ladder with a raging, angry fire waiting for you at the other end, perhaps hearing the pleas and screams of frightened people trapped in the inferno above.

The Plymouth Fire Department is under the leadership of Fire Chief Edward Bradley who presides over Plymouth's seven fire stations with a personnel complement of approximately 125 firefighters. They respond to approximately 12,000 fire and/or medical events in a years' time - and of course, they never close - when we are at t-ball, or soccer, or recitals, or holiday dinners, they are at work, ready on a moment's notice to risk their lives for others.

Today's firefighter has the benefit of fancy hydraulic tools, the "jaws of life" that are used to cut through, spread apart, or ram open almost anything that requires super-human mechanical strength.

They have sophisticated trucks to manipulate and regulate the water flow to the right places.....

.....and the humble hose is always ready...

.....and also, the pick and axe.

Whatever the time or place or problem - they are ever-ready to work to save my life and yours - what a noble profession!

I extend a hearty "Thank You" to the men and women of the Plymouth Fire Department for what you do to keep us safe every day!