Oh, he had to be there. I think it would have driven him absolutely insane to stand by and watch while his comrades -- at his age, more like his "kids" -- ran into harm's way.
There just aren't the words for men like him.
I know what you mean.
Several men in my immediate family are or have been members of the FDNY (and NYPD). They rushed to respond and I’m so proud of them all!