Ancient philosophy has taught us the power of myth to shape culture. Within mythological constructs, we often find an attachment to the archetypes that give us value, purpose, and connection to something greater than ourselves. Rituals indicate when individuals have achieved status, commitment, and growth in a mythological process. The American Fire Service is deeply rooted in the power of myth. It shapes culture, ritual, identity, and social dynamics.
In mythological transformation, individuals can shift their relationship with death so much so that they can dismiss fallibility, mortality, and change their relationship with inherent risk. A firefighter’s death precipitates ceremonial saint-like status, at times, despite the mechanism by which the death occurred. Society engages in a hagiographic practice by memorializing names carved into stone in a special place, often accompanied by inscriptions of bravery, valiantry, and signifiers of immortal status or promise. The sacredness of these sites can evoke a similar emotional process to that of a cathedral, temple, or hilltop. Humans need these myths to create an understanding of the universe- a structure for the unknown. We need them to allow us to participate in social roles that could ultimately be to the detriment of our physical selves or our families.
The purpose of this reflection is not to dispute or ascribe moral judgment to the practice, but rather, by understanding such dynamics, we may become intentional in our mythological journey, helping to shape the evolving myth we live through and deeply connect with. With that said, death itself cannot be the qualifier for mythological status. Ancient wisdom tells us that behavior in connection with death must embody the myth. As the fire service community deep dives into our relationship with firefighter death, we must explore what to make of death with specific consideration for suicide, homicide-suicide, unsafe practices that lead to death, etc.
We live in a society deeply influenced by myth and attach ourselves to various archetypes as we navigate the mythological process. Death, as the natural conclusion of life, compels us to confront processes such as birth, aging, living, and dying. In doing so, we make decisions—intentional or not—that shape fire service mythology and practices for generations. Have we reshaped our mythology to redefine what we consider honorable in firefighter death? If so, what does that do to the legacy of those who have gone before us? What will it mean for future generations as they grapple with their relationship with death, both individually and collectively?
Fire service mythology provides a framework for understanding our relationship with firefighter death. Psychologically, the honor we ascribe to those who die profoundly influences how we perceive and relate to death. Ultimately, the behavior we honor, we reinforce.
