i think people today watch too much crime and violence on TV and Movies. They think they morph into some tough guy or action hero. Of course if your reality testing is a bit off it makes it more likely
If you've never watched Kick Ass go rent it right now and watch. Best movie on that theme ever and the only movie Nicholas Cage has made in a decade plus that was worth anything.
Firefighters that die in the line of duty are heroes. There's no other way to put it. However, I never understood the need for funeral processions as a whole, I always thought they were kind of stupid. I get that you want to honor the hero, I just don't see how driving super slow in a long line does that.. But that guy said some horrible things about firefighters, then threatened a reporter with a knife? Fuck him!