William DeFord

(http://www.annasslant.com/firefighters.jpg)

A hero can be any person. They can be a hero because they are special or important. They can be a hero because they are hopeful and courageous. My hero is a hero to me because he spends his life working to help other people. This person is Captain William DeFord.

Captain DeFord is one of the fire captains at the fire department in Longmeadow, MA. He and the other firefighters make a BIG difference in this world. When people have problems with fires, the firefighters are there to help them. Sometimes, they even end up losing their lives to save people. For example, during 9/11, about 250 firefighters sacrificed themselves to rescue others.

We will always remember those brave firefighters who risked their lives during 9/11. And, we must never forget our local firefighters who put their lives in danger each time they respond to our local needs. Every year, my mom and I bake cookies for the firefighters in honor of the ones that died in the huge Worcester warehouse fire in 1999. They are so noble and heroic. It is so selfless of them that they are willing to put their lives in danger on a regular basis so they can help other people.

We really appreciate Captain Deford and the other firefighters here in Longmeadow. I like to know that if anything like 9/11 ever happens again, there will be somebody there to help. So, that is why Captain DeFord is my hero!!! To learn more about firefighters: http://www.iaff.org/