They come from all walks of life but are united in their courage and selflessness. They routinely face the most destructive elements as they battle to save lives and property. Armed with little more than water and protective gear, they are called on to fight a multitude of disasters, from urban blazes to forest fires. They act quickly and with compassion, regularly risking their lives to rescue strangers. They are firefighters-the men and women caught up in daily dramas that are both larger than life and intensely personal. Firefighters 2009 pays tribute to their altruistic work and heroic actions, with descriptive captions offering insight into their world.