Today is International Firefighters Day and it honours the sacrifices these heroes make.
In tribute, we found these 11 photos in the Sunderland Echo archives of crews going that extra mile.
Have a look at Chris Smith who marked the 20th anniversary of 9/11 by climbing 110 flights of stairs in 2021.
We also have fundraising Sunderland firefighters doing the coast-to-coast cycle ride in 1999, a crew rescuing a python in 1997 and taking on an Ironman challenge in 2010.
1. A gruelling challenge
Fundraising firefighter Eddie Cooper, right, and his colleagues who were taking on an Ironman challenge on the volcanoes of Lanzarote in 2010. Photo: AB
2. Learning more at Sunderland Central
Four year old Jay McDonald had a wonderful time with firefighters Becky Hogg and David Cowley at the open day at Sunderland Central Fire Station in 2019. Photo: Tim Richardson
3. What an effort in 2021
Sunderland Central firefighter Chris Smith climbed 110 flights of stairs on the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks to raise almost £2,000 for The Firefighters Charity. Photo: se
4. Ouch! That looks painful Steve
Sunderland firefighter Steve Spencer had his legs waxed for Comic Relief in 2007 with his colleagues watching. Photo: TY