The word “hero” is sickeningly misused, often bandied about by politicians to describe anyone who happens to serve in the military, or dies in a fire, or otherwise gets killed either through misfortune or, sometimes, their own stupidity. Since it’s used so often to pander to an audience, it has been diluted to near meaninglessness.
As I read the New York Times this morning, however, it’s evident this trio of fellows can be adorned with the word “hero” without hesitation: