For more than 20 years Lieutenant Mark Hammond has served the Saratoga Springs community as a firefighter. He embodies the greatness of the town and the people who live here.

Having come from a family of firefighters, Lieutenant Hammond realized his calling from a young age. But it was not until later in life that his aspiration became reality. He is an example for those who long to achieve their dreams. Lieutenant Hammond, 46, says, “[Becoming a firefighter] was my goal... It was one of those fairy tale type stories where you get to achieve what you dreamed of doing. It was something that I had always strived for, and when I got it, I was absolutely elated.”

In a world where displaced desires and unfulfilled hopes shade the workplace, Lieutenant Hammond embodies the importance of personal and professional achievement. With a smile on his face he offers a model that others may follow. He represents the notion that success and happiness comes out of setting goals and attaining them. He has genuinely shown that dreams do come true. As Lieutenant Hammond says, “It was one of my ambitions that I knew that is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.” In this way, he has achieved greatness.

As a firefighter, he readily faces danger every day, but that danger alone does not explain why Lieutenant Hammond should be considered a hero. His bravery contributes to his heroism but does not define it. It is other qualities such as compassion and generosity that make him a hero.

Lieutenant Hammond brings enthusiasm and passion to his station. He works with an incredible group of men with whom he shares a strong bond and a love for Saratoga Springs. His love for the community is apparent in his words. As he says, “We love to have people come in. We have the doors open for a reason.” Like Lieutenant Hammond, all the firefighters of Saratoga Springs serve the community and themselves with true dedication and loyalty.

While we often recognize a hero from some demonstration of bravery, passion and virtue provide the substance that distinguishes true heroes. Firefighters exemplify heroism by risking their lives on the job to save the lives of others, but without burning buildings and river rescues, they still demonstrate the ideals that make a hero. A hero goes above and beyond the call of duty, and the men who work at the Saratoga Springs fire department do just that. They do their jobs with integrity and honor, laughing and enjoying themselves at the same time. A house of brothers, the Lake Avenue fire station exemplifies the unity the Saratoga Springs community shares.

Lieutenant Hammond does what he loves and he loves what he does. As he says, “It was something that I always wanted to do.”  Living out his dreams for the benefit of others, Lieutenant Hammond, like so many of his brothers, provides a cornerstone for this community.

In honor of Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 7-13, the Lake Avenue Fire Department is holding an open house Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. There will be simulated car rescues, opportunities to meet the firefighters and activities for children.