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Life Lessons

When Others are Running Out

On the eighth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the courage of the police and firefighters stands as a challenge to everyone.

When everyone else was running out, they were running in.

The moment the planes struck the Twin Towers in the World Trade Center, most people found themselves in a new world. Chaotic and terrifying. Not the police and firefighters. For them, the world was familiar; there was danger, and it was their job to help.

According to New York Magazine, 343 firefighters and paramedics lost their lives on 9/11. So did 23 NYPD officers and 37 Port Authority police officers.

When everyone else was running out, they were running in.

Years later, you face the same choice on teams of all kinds: families, communities, sports. When things get tough, are you the kind of person who runs out or runs in?

In most cases, your choice will not be as dramatic or life-threatening as the one facing the emergency personnel eight years ago. But it will be just as real. In any given situation, you are either helping or hurting. You will either be contributing or contaminating. There is no halfway.

Discussion

One comment for “When Others are Running Out”

  1. Great article Coach
    You have a way of simplifying things down to whats most important in life. I coached two young men who perished on 9-11
    One was a NYC firefighter.
    Good luuck as you begin your season
    KR

    Posted by kevin reilly | September 11, 2009, 10:41 am

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