Though I sometimes complain about work, I never have to worry about it putting me in harm’s way—something many professions can’t say. Firefighting is one of those hazardous jobs that demands immense bravery. Firefighters don’t just face mental challenges; they risk their lives every day, especially when combating wildfires.
A few years ago, during a massive wildfire in Portugal, 1,150 firefighters worked tirelessly to control the blaze. One image from that ordeal, shared by firefighter Pedro Brás, showed a group of them collapsed on the lawn after 24 hours of non-stop work. They were given just 25 minutes to rest, surrounded by smoke, before returning to the front lines.
It’s moments like these that remind me how much firefighters deserve our respect and appreciation for their sacrifices.