When I was young teenager, my house burned down. It gutted us. All of our belongings, if not melted were so smoke damaged that they were nearly irretrievable. To add to the sadness, the fire occurred just a few days after Christmas. My trophies, family photos — so much was lost.

I vividly remember skateboarding down my street to see that it was blocked off, and I casually joked with my friend with a “what if it was my house?” When I got there, I remember the police officers barring my entry. I made my way to the house and a few firefighters expressed their sympathies about my house. The police, however, asked if I been playing with fire or smoking, implying I’d accidentally set it on fire.

Needless to say, firefighters have a tough job. Check out this video of what I think heroism looks and feels like.

Firefighters are paid a ridiculously small amount, on average, in this country in comparison to the dangerous job they do. Please support them.