Arthur - comme n'importe quel autre pompier - un super-héros à sa manière (document en anglais)

Today, in a society where technology has taken over, young people are easily and greatly influenced by Internet, movies, video games, etc. Many of them see fictional characters, often strong, attractive, and who possess supernatural abilities as their inspiration and role model. They only have eyes for fantasist figures and don’t acknowledge the hardworking real-life superheroes who are right next to them and who can possibly become better and more promising models for them.

Arthur is a firefighter. He does not wear a cape, nor possess any superpowers. He is a man like any other. His job consists of responding to emergency calls, assuring the safety of the population, rescuing trapped people and animals. Although his job can be extremely dangerous and exhausting, he is passionate and diligent.

Arthur and his team are always on alert. Although false alarms happen a lot of time, Arthur never gets tired of it and stays positive: “A false alarm is always a thousand times better than a real one.” When a serious incident occurs, without a second thought, they are ready to go into the fire and save that one special life, the life of a person they have probably never known.

Arthur followed in his father’s footsteps and chose to become a firefighter. He admits in the beginning of his career, he sometimes got influenced by others’ opinion, and wasn’t convinced he made the right decision, but as time passed and he gained experience in this field, he got more confident and more passionate. One particular incident made him clearly understand the importance of his work.

That one night in October 2007, the fire alarm rang. He was the first man to wake up at the station, followed by the rest of the team. They rushed to the incident site. A lovely house was in smoke and flames. They bravely walked into the residence, hitting the fire and searching for living souls. When Arthur entered a bedroom, he stood there with fear. A little girl was lying on the ground. She looked into the firefighter’s eyes for a few seconds and then lost consciousness. The brave man carried her in his arms and hurried to bring her outside. She then got transported on the ambulance, but unfortunately, she was already a lifeless body when they arrived at the hospital. After hearing the sorrowful news that night, Arthur burst into tears and kept apologizing. “When that kid looked into my eyes, she reminded me of my own daughter. I’m sorry...I’m so sorry. All these people’s lives depend on us. I should have arrived earlier.” That night’s incident moved him deeply and made him go through a lot of reflection. He promised himself he won’t let the same thing happen ever again.

Arthur did not save the world. However, the world needs him. As responsible, warm-hearted, courageous, hardworking, as Spiderman, Batman and Superman, the firefighter helps countless children, teenagers, adults, elderly, cats and dogs. He isn’t afraid of working in perilous and strenuous conditions: in temperatures of extreme heat and cold, at heights, in enclosed fields, in smoke-filled buildings. He puts his life on the line when saving a life because, he says: “It’s my job.”

He doesn’t seek recognition and fame. After a great accomplishment, he stays humble and is grateful to his team, without whom success would be impossible. Arthur¬ — just like any other firefighter —

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