"I am tired of the automatic assumption that police officers and fire fighters are to be lionized because they "risk their lives"." Just answering the original

"I am tired of the automatic assumption that police officers and fire fighters are to be lionized because they "risk their lives"." Just answering the original poster. Farming and construction are also dangerous and the risks, aside from random bad luck can be managed, while pay and conditions may vary. But that's not what was being discussed. The OP was complaining about first responder over-time and pensions, while the most risk involved in well funded companies and startups is probably getting a paper cut. The distinction I draw is between the types of risk and reward being experienced.