How should firefighters view their role in relation to the community?

Firefighters should view their role as public servants because their primary responsibility is to protect the lives and property of the community they serve. This perspective emphasizes the commitment of firefighters to the well-being of citizens, placing the community's needs at the forefront of their actions and duties. Being public servants means they are dedicated to serving the public with integrity, professionalism, and compassion.

In contrast to the notion of being business employees, which would imply a profit-driven motive, firefighters operate within a framework focused on safety and emergency response rather than commercial interests. Viewing themselves as volunteers does not accurately reflect the professional training, dedication, and responsibilities expected of firefighters, who are often full-time employees with specific guidelines and training. Lastly, characterizing firefighters as government agents may not capture the community-centered nature of their role; while they are often employed by government entities, the essence of their job lies in serving and protecting the community above all else.