Do we expect too much ?

Just finished reading an article in a trade magazine (I would link it but they seem to be defensive of articles they did not write) and it made me wonder what's next ? The article is about firefighters being administered a lie detector test.

I will not go into that particular issue. It brought some things to my mind though, that I would like to discuss.

More and more we, as firefighters, are expected to be some kind of warrior monk. Protecting the people while we walk paths of virtue. No flaws or hidden skeletons, just "saintly" people. Where and when did we cross over from just people helping people- to this new definition of public service ?

Is it right ? and if so, what is the standards to which we are held ? Am I expected to walk a righteous path ? or strive to do my best ? I do not know about you, but I have many flaws, some worse than others.

When I am "on the clock", I will do my best in doing the job. No frills, smoke and mirrors, or parlor room tricks. The lights come on and I will react. I will take it to a level to mitigate the emergency and nothing more. I do not look for praise or a wall of fame. A simple, "good job" from my peers, is the ultimate form of being honored.

I wonder if Americas obsession with Schadenfreude is driving us to expect that everybody is to be squeaky clean. In the checkout line, when we scan the tabloids ( you know you do it) do we read how so and so achieved something good ? or do we want to know whose sleeping with who or hooked on drugs ?

I know and agree that some things are unacceptable and should remain a part of firefighting lore, but being infallible is neither realistic or attainable. Mother Teresa was pure. I'm just a Jake trying to leave the job better than it was when I came on.

Lie detector tests, integrity tests, or whatever it's called- Do we really need them ? and are we expecting too much from people ?

Let me know what you think.