New York City Fire Fighters on the Job, 1983

Just doing what they do. Brave guys and gals (well, not many gals in 1983).

Also, weighing heavily on my mind in the aftermath of this week's news. Some of these guys are still suffering horribly from health problems after 9/11. A rather selfless and self-sacrificing group of people.

One of the things that still impresses me about the content of this image is how battered and worn the helmet and other gear are. This guy has clearly been involved in some tough stuff. He got into nasty, hellish situations. Did his job. Then got out. Safely. Alive. All in a day's work. Then the next day and the next. I'm also impressed by the intensity of his gaze, the focus of his eyes. My recollection is that this scene was not anything major, not a raging blaze; but they didn't know that until they got  there.I seem to recall, though my memory, like yours, is potentially very faulty, that was some smoke and a small fire in the hotel. Perhaps though, I'm wrong and was merely a false alarm.

Shot in front of the New Yorker Hotel. Leica M4, probably 35 Summicron. PanX or PlusX?