OW! Some stats
I've seen it reported that in the current history of the New York fire department, starting in 1898, there have been a total of somethiing like 778 lost in the line of duty.
In two hours, they acquired another 350 missiing and presumed dead.
Stats are hard to come by, The talking heads are, well, talking heads, and most web sites seem big on sensationalism and low on background. I've heard from 250-350, but even the low end is... well, shocking.
That no man should scruple, or hesitate a moment to use arms in defense of so valuable a blessing [as freedom], on which all the good and evil of life depends, is clearly my opinion; yet arms ... should be the last resource. - George Washington
