“Yeah, the world’s not like the movies. There’s reasons to do things and reasons not to do things.”

That's what Sun Prairie Firefighter Adam Nieft had to say after he was criticized for his actions at a recent house fire in Windsor.

Some who watched a video of the house fire on social media commented about his lack of urgency including one calling him a "first tier fireman," WMTV reported.

Others wondered why no one was running.

Instead of ignoring the armchair firefighters, Nieft and others decided to make a teachable moment - to explain their roles on the fireground.

As the driver, Nieft said he's responsible for getting everyone to the scene safely and connecting them with their supplies, including hose, ladders, other equipment and water.

“It’s teamwork and we all have our different roles and expectations and we’re trying to think what the left hand is, knowing what the right hand is doing and that’s what makes it work.” 

Lt. Thomas Stoltenburg pointed out the officer does a 360 walk around the building to determine the number of stories on the various sides as well as basement entry types and locations as well as making note of utilities and possible hazards.  

“So there’s a huge layer of things along with doing radio reports and possibly giving assignments for the next arriving units coming in,” he said.

The senior firefighter on the engine also has specific tasks.

“So my whole job is I get off, I have my tools, my job is to help flake the hose for the probie and break the door with any hand tools that I need,” Firefighter Matt Kosky said, adding he carries a Halligan bar and a four-foot hook.