Alexis de Tocqueville famously wrote that American exceptionalism was largely the result of our willingness to form “voluntary associations” to solve civic problems. And nothing better embodies this notion than the modern fire department, which started in the 18th century as a uniquely American institution.

Of the nation’s 1.1 million firefighters, 830,000 are volunteers. That so many people volunteer to protect their neighbor’s homes is a tribute to the American character.