International Firefighters’ Day, which is celebrated on May 4, is a day that we celebrate the challenges and sacrifices of firefighters. This shows that we appreciate the brave firefighters who work day and night to protect us. They risk their lives just for us.

A good example would be Orio Palmer, a firefighter chief who died in the Twin Tower attacks. According to Wikipedia, Orio Joseph Palmer, who was born March 2, 1956, was a Battalion Chief of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). He died while rescuing civilians in the burning towers. He was only 45 years old.

Palmer was a father of three who ran in the New York City marathon and other marathons and triathlons. He was awarded the department’s Physical Fitness Award five times. Skeptic Project said that these were Orio’s last words: “Battalion Seven … Ladder 15, we’ve got two isolated pockets of fire. We should be able to knock it down with two lines. Radio that, 78th floor numerous 10-45 Code Ones.”

Palmer was a hero, but his behavior was reflective of so many other firefighters around the world. Like others in his profession, he was a determined, heroic and honorable man who died to protect people like us.

We celebrate International Firefighters’ Day to honor firefighters like Chief Orio Palmer.