Journalism Next: Manatee School of the Arts | Firefighters share risks, rewards of the job

There is a proverb among firefighters: "We run into burning buildings while other people are running out."

This saying not only rings true to firefighters everywhere, but it encapsulates the dangers and risks the men and women engaged in such civic service constantly face in order to save lives.

The job of a firefighter is not an easy one.

Tony Daum, a firefighter for 10 years in Ocoee just northwest of Orlando, shares insight on what it truly means to be a fireman.

"It takes a very special person to provide services that keep the rest of us safe," Daum said. "You literally put your life at risk every third day you show up for work."

Firefighters face emergencies and hazards as a routine part of their job. Having to deal with the extreme temperatures, handling toxins, dangerous gases and other agents, firefighters constantly engage a variety of unsafe elements.

John King, Firefighter of the Year in 2001 in St. Petersburg, said firemen "deal with a lot of hazardous materials."

King, a career firefighter for 32 years, said even careful firefighters can be badly hurt in a rescue operation.

Because of the incredible risks that accompany the job, firefighters are constantly training to maintain a level head in highly stressful, dangerous situations.

"A lot of people think all we do is sit around all day," King said. "We do a lot of training."

Firefighters are required to complete a certain amount of hours of online training courses in order to maintain certification as well as remain prepared to head into any emergency situation as duty calls.

The most awe-inspiring part of being a firefighter can be found in situations where the lives of others depend on their actions.

"When you're in a structure fire, you literally can't see your hand in front of your face because of the smoke. It's not like the movies," Daum said.

Recalling an instance where he entered a fire and was crawling around unable to see while searching for victims, Daum brought to life the hardships of being a firefighter.

In another rescue operation, Daum and a fellow fireman found two victims who had collapsed in a bad fire. Unable to carry both people out of the flames, the firemen had to decide who to save.

The firefighters pulled out the female citizen first, who they were able to resuscitate. The team, however, was not able to rescue the woman's husband in time to save his life.

"I've had children die in my arms," Daum said. "You can't allow your emotions to affect your decisions. When you go back and the scene's all over, you bawl your eyes out."

Most people cannot handle the amount of stress and emotional trauma accompanied by firefighting and risking their own lives daily while trying to save others, Daum said.

However, when asked why they decided to become firemen, Daum and King shared the same thought: Firefighters love what they do.

Being able to make a difference in someone's life, or being there for an individual in their moment of need makes the experience of firefighting worthwhile.

"The difference you make when you save a life, and they get to live because you risked your life for them, that makes it worth it," Daum said.

"I enjoyed going to work every day," King said. "It's a very rewarding career."

In spite of the obvious risks and stress that accompanies the job, 80 percent of firefighters in America are unpaid volunteers.

Daum encourages appreciation for the men and women who risk their lives for the safety of others.

"Stop by a fire station and just thank the crew," Daum suggested.

This story was originally published March 2, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Journalism Next: Manatee School of the Arts | Firefighters share risks, rewards of the job."