The character of an individual is but a reflection—of the family, of the training, and of the institution from which he comes. Today's firefighters are both the inheritors and the caretakers of the culture, artifacts, and institutions of the fire service. This fire service and its mission and traditions are bound together by an intricate and well-developed relationship among a core set of unique virtues that comprise our moral sense.
Today some question whether loyalty and service still matter to the fire service. To be blunt, there is no more offensive comment. Never let it be said that any honest and good firefighter ever besmirched the name of the fire service intentionally or was intentionally disloyal to the fire service, the community, or the country.
Loyalty in a simpler time was described by Epicurus, who said, "It is not so much our friends' help that helps us as the confidence of their help." Our loyalty is embedded in our virtues that have been exemplified generation after generation by true American heroes. Heroics do not skip generations; they are part of our culture. Selflessness does not come and go in a society; it is perpetuated. And loyalty is not taught in books; it is learned from example.
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