They were just doing their jobs.
To the people whose lives they touched, however, they are heroes.
And it's time again to recognize those who have shown heroism as the Wisconsin Fire and Police Hall of Fame inducts four firefighters into its ranks.
This year's inductees will be honored with a banquet Friday at Barker's Island Inn.
Superior Assistant Fire Chief Tad Matheson said this year's ceremony won't include police officers because none was nominated.
Among this year's nominees are two Appleton firefighters, Lt. Michael Woodzicka and Patrick Kearney; Franklin Battalion Chief Ron Mayer; and Wendall Rice of the Platteville Volunteer Fire Department.
Woodzicka and Kearney are being honored for their efforts in the early morning hours of May 4, 2002, after they found Stephanie Lindsley unconscious and rescued her from her smoke-filled home. The firefighters' efforts allowed her to make a full recovery, according to the firefighters' nomination.
A motel fire in Franklin, Wis., southwest of Milwaukee, might have turned tragic for the 53-year-old owner and bystanders planning a rescue attempt if Battalion Chief Ron Mayer hadn't been on the scene.
With the first engine company still minutes away on the evening of Feb. 12, 2002, Mayer crawled into the burning room and managed to pull the owner to safety. When engines arrived, Mayer directed firefighting operations as he cared for the victim until paramedics arrived, according to his nomination.
It isn't just heroism that is being recognized this year.
Wendell Rice, who has given more than 50 years as a volunteer firefighter for the city of Platteville in southwestern Wisconsin, is also being honored.
"Wendell Rice is another name for the term 'dedication,' " wrote Dorothy Genthe, Platteville City Council president, in nominating Rice for a spot among this year's inductees.
The public is invited to attend the annual banquet and hear the stories of the firefighters, Matheson said.
"The stories make the banquet," Matheson said.
