First responders are some of the bravest people in the workforce. Every day they risk their lives for the safety of others. In true Hollywood fashion, filmmakers recognized the potential for telling an amazing story through the eyes of first responders. Who made the top five list for Hollywood's most heroic police officers, firefighters and paramedics?
1. John McLoughlin from "World Trade Center"
The tragedy at the World Trade Towers on 9/11 is something not many can forget, especially when told from a first-hand perspective. In the movie "World Trade Center", Nicholas Cage plays a veteran Port Authority police officer named John McLoughlin. He and his fellow officers are going about their normal patrol for the day when they see on the news that the North Tower was struck by a plane. McLoughlin rallies his unit to help with the evacuation, but during the rescue, he and two of his men become trapped under the collapsed tower. McLoughlin shoulders the weight of the knowledge that they may never get out alive but does his best to keep the surviving member of his unit positive. He remains strong throughout the whole harrowing ordeal, reminding movie-goers of the courage it takes to put on the badge every day.
2. Stephen 'Bull' McCaffrey from "Backdraft"
Firefighting is a profession that comes with a lot of pride and bravery. In "Backdraft", Kurt Russell plays a Chicago firefighter with a head-on attitude. Despite cautionary warnings from a more experienced firefighter who worked under his father, McCaffrey continues to attack fires aggressively without regard for his personal safety. McCaffrey and his unit are eventually called to a multiple alarm fire in a chemical plant. Here the "Bull" struggles with the betrayal of a beloved partner, but he still tries to save the traitor's life. This noble act ultimately costs him his own. This movie speaks to the pride and brotherhood shared between firefighters, and it is an excellent display of their bravery.
3. Miguel Zavala from "End of Watch"
Police officers, especially inner city patrol officers, experience some of the toughest day-to-day challenges on the job. Michael Pena portrays one of these brave officers in "End of Watch." Pena's character, Miguel Zavala, and his partner patrol the streets of South Central Los Angeles. The duo takes down several major criminals in the area which puts them on the watch with a dangerous cartel. Despite the threats and potential danger, Zavala and his partner continue to patrol their area. When the pair are lured into a showdown with the enraged cartel, Zavala loses his life in an attempt to save his partner's. The movie is an inspiring testament to the honor and sacrifice of police officers.
4. Kit Latura from "Daylight"
Emergency Medical Professionals have to keep a cool head while dealing with a lot of stressful situations. In "Daylight", Sylvester Stallone plays former Emergency Medical Services chief Kit Latura who does just that. When a tunnel under the Hudson River collapses, Latura witnesses the accident from the Manhattan side. He quickly rushes to offer his assistance. Latura realizes there are survivors trapped in the tunnel, so he risks his life to go in and bring them to safety. After a series of harrowing escapes and through indomitable perseverance, Latura manages to get the majority of the survivors to safety. "Daylight" does an excellent job of portraying Emergency Medical Professionals' leadership and selfless urge to save lives.
5. Jack Morrison from "Ladder 49"
The courage it takes to run into a burning building to save lives is something few people possess. Firefighters do this on a regular basis, and the movie "Ladder 49" gives people a good sense of the courage it takes to do that job. Joaquin Phoenix stars as Jack Morrison in this emotional film. The movie opens with Morrison saving the life of a man trapped in a burning grain elevator before the floor collapses, leaving him trapped and with a broken leg. The audience is then taken on a journey through Morrison's career as a firefighter and the bonds he forged with his unit along the way. When rescue efforts grow increasingly dangerous, Morrison orders his captain to pull the other men out of harm's way. His ultimate sacrifice is a prime example of firefighter courage.
Hollywood has documented the heroism of first responders many different times, but only the bravest and strongest made the top five list.