A Fireman's Death

Matthew R. Heininger gave his life in the service of the public. For nearly 20 years he had been a member of the Ann Arbor fire department, and he died while performing his duty. His record was good, and undoubtedly it was appreciated.

There should be some public appreciation of the fact that he gave his life for his community. Firemen are something like soldiers - defending cities from enemies in the form of destructive flames, as warriors defend their countries from hostile human beings. Therefore, a fireman's death, when it occurs while in the performance of duty, savors much of the heroic.

A fireman's life is full of dangers. It may appear, at times, to be an easy life, from the viewpoint of the outsider, but there likewise are times when one realizes that the men who fight the flames are giving service of a high order. Fighting fire is a perilous occupation, and getting to the scene of trouble in a hurry is one of the dangerous aspects.

Heininger gave the best that was in him, in the way of service. He gave his life, and no man can give more. Public appreciation, in some tangible form, therefore would appear to be inevitable.