They don’t fly.
They don’t wear capes.
They don’t have secret identities.
They don’t have extraordinary powers.
But that doesn’t mean they aren’t superheroes. Because they are.
We’re talking about the brave men and women who risk their lives every day. The everyday heroes who walk amongst us leading ordinary lives until the threat of dangerous flames and their commitment to service propel them from ordinary to extraordinary. These are our amazing firefighters. There is really nothing like them. And that is just one of the reasons why they have their own holiday.
International Firefighters’ Day is observed all around the world on May 4 of every year. It is set aside as a time to applaud the achievements of active service firefighters and to remember those who have lost their lives, especially those firefighters killed during the September 11 attacks.
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The History of Firefighters’ Day
Firefighters’ Day has only been around since 1999 and it has quite a sad origin. The incident that prompted its establishment happened the previous year in Linton, Victoria, Australia. The date was December 2, 1998, and the Geelong West Fire Brigade was responding to a call from other firefighters battling a wildfire nearby. During their engagement, a sudden shift in wind direction pushed the flames towards the men and their truck, engulfing them while on their way to refill the water tank. The wildfire took the lives of five men from the Geelong West Fire Brigade that day.
The locals were devastated by this tragedy. It prompted JJ Edmondson, a volunteer lieutenant and firefighter in Victoria, to take action. She began a campaign of correspondence with firefighting communities worldwide, advocating for an annual day of recognition. She solicited input nationally and internationally for weeks to determine what this day of honor should look like until an official date and symbol were chosen.
The Date – May 4, connecting the event to the Catholic feast day of St. Florian (the patron saint of all firefighters). During the 3rd century A.D., Florian allegedly extinguished a raging fire with just a single bucket of water, saving an entire town in the Roman province of Noricum, now modern-day Austria. This supernatural act, whether you believe it or not, was enough to solidify Florian’s bravery and his connection to the divine, giving him the reputation as a protector against fires.
The Symbol – the International Firefighters’ Day symbol is a ribbon of two colors: blue and red. The blue strand overlaps the red strand to represent water over fire.
A Day in the Life of a Firefighter
The blaring sirens. The quick-moving ladder truck snaking down the street. The boots and coats and hats and axes ready for action. The gush of the firehoses fighting a flame-engulfed building. These are the vivid sights and sounds that come to mind when we think about the life of a firefighter. And yes, these do represent the potential risk that firefighters take 24/7, because, like most first responders and emergency medical workers, they are often on call around the clock. But what does just an “average” day look like?
What an average day looks like for a firefighter depends a lot on the kind of firefighting they are trained in. It also depends on the size of the fire department, geographical location and whether they work in a volunteer or career capacity. However, there are certainly commonalities that exist across all these. Here are a few activities one might expect from a typical shift:
Daily Briefings and Shift Handovers
Equipment Check and Truck Maintenance
Company Training and Drills
Building Code Inspections in the Community
Group Exercise and Physical Fitness
Station House Chores and Meal Prep
Public Relations and Education
Emergency Response
The Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Firefighters
Firefighting is way more than just a job. The men and woman who serve as firefighters provide a dangerous but necessary community service that unites them in a powerful way. In fact, the bonds that firefighters share are not unlike the connections that people form while serving in the military. It is that commitment to do life together, in the face of death, that fosters an unbreakable kind of comradery and makes the firefighting community a close knit one. A brotherhood and sisterhood built on trust, reliance and a shared vow to protect and serve. This is precisely why International Firefighters’ Day is so significant.
Celebrating International Firefighters’ Day
You can always check with your local firehouse to find out what’s happening near you this May 4, 2024. Most every community around the world will host special ceremonies and events to celebrate International Firefighters’ Day. If you would like to honor the brave men and women this year, there is usually a way to get involved. Memorial services, fundraising events, awards and recognition ceremonies, fire station open houses and public awareness campaigns are many of the kinds of events typically scheduled. Many also observe a moment of silence at noon on May 4 as a tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This often corresponds with a “Ringing the Bell” ceremony.
A “Ringing the Bell” ceremony is a ritual observed in many communities both on International Firefighters’ Day and in other personal firefighting events held throughout the year. During the ceremony, a bell is rung in a specific pattern to denote the end of a firefighter’s service, kind of like a retirement. It is often complemented with words explaining the symbolism of each ring. While this ceremony can look different, depending on geography, it generally follows this pattern:
1. Three Rings – to begin the ceremony and represent the conclusion of a life of service. This could be collective or singular.
2. Tolling of the Bell – a pattern of associated with fallen firefighters that is rung in their honor.
3. A Moment of Silence
4. Closing Remarks
Many firefighters, their family and friends also make a pilgrimage to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Constructed in 1981, it is a meaningful permanent tribute to those who have given their lives in service. Special events are held year-round at the memorial, especially on May 4.
How to Show Appreciation for the Firefighter in Your Life
The Bradford Exchange would like to personally thank the extraordinary firefighters from around the world for their unwavering bravery, commitment, and service. This appreciation extends to all active duty, volunteers, retired and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe. In fact, if you are a firefighter or have a special one in your life, we invite you to check out the unique firefighter collectibles and gifts we have to offer. These meaningful tributes are a testament to their courage and a unique way to pay homage to our everyday heroes.
International Firefighters' Day: a Tribute to Our Everyday Heroes by The Bradford Exchange
About The Bradford Exchange
The Gift Advisors @The Bradford Exchange are thrilled to help you discover a wealth of artistic treasures, all of which began with passion. Whether you are looking for that perfect personalized gift or a unique collection for yourself, we are driven to make your shopping experience as joyful as possible and hope you are surprised and delighted with what you find. Thank you for your continued support.
