October 2013
| Business World Magazine | 181
It has been said that God creates all people equal, but then some go on to join the
fire service. A distinction concerning these public service professionals was once
articulated by New York’s esteemed Chief Edward Croker during a 1908 funeral
for four firefighters who died in the line of duty. He said, “When a man becomes
a fireman his greatest act of bravery has been accomplished. What he does after
that is all in the line of work ... firefighters do not regard themselves as heroes be-
cause they do what the business requires.” Of course, today, that business not only
requires the ability to fight fires, but much more in the way of work, training and
public outreach. One great example of professional capabilities and the practices
that drive operational quality can be found within a fire department dedicated to
protecting and preserving a Pacific Ocean paradise.
