8. Firefighters
Since ancient Rome, firefighters have battled flames and toxic gases, often at great personal risk. With evolving methods—from bucket brigades to high-tech equipment—the profession continuously adapts to save lives and property, forming the backbone of urban safety. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2020, there were 3,500 firefighter fatalities in the United States (codesonline.nfpa.org).
