Heroes and villains: Firefighters and Vladimir R

Published on Friday 4 November 2005 13:39

NB: we know that there are far more worthy heroes than those listed here - doctors, nurses, aid workers, etc. Similarly, murderers, rapists and dictators are indisputably far greater villains. This column does not deal with them. It is designed to honour those who have caused surprise by their actions.

Heroes: Scotland's Firefighters

I DON'T understand what would prompt someone to assault another human being while this person is trying to do his job. I'm not talking about Iraqi rebels triggering car bombs against our boys in Basra. This job is to put out fires and save lives in what has become Scotland's own battleground.

You have to be pretty sick and pathetic to assault a firefighter with rocks, eggs, airgun pellets, bottles - not to mention the occasional verbal volley thrown in for good measure. And don't tell me that it's just a bit of adolescent high jinks. Sorry, I'm not buying that argument.

Attacks on crews have dogged fire brigades throughout Scotland, but the issue is most severe in the west. Last year, the number of incidents in Strathclyde rose from 102 to 174, and there have been another 79 attacks since April.

It's time to stand up for our heroes - protect the people who protect us, particularly now at the busiest time of the year for firefighters. Recognising the potential for a surge in assaults during Bonfire Night this weekend, police will accompany crews in Glasgow's more dodgy areas for protection against rampaging youths.

I take my hat off to the men and women who fight fires and pray that the brigades can focus on their job, not on what might be lurking from behind.

Villain: Vladimir R

FORGET Eastenders and Corrie, Scotland has its own soap opera.

Coming to a television set near you: Tynecastle, the story of a dictatorial football club owner from a foreign country. He goes by the name of Vladimir R, or Sir Vladimir to some.

He is a wealthy man. Quite demanding apparently, too.

You might recall the episode from two weeks ago: The man who watched over Vladimir R's day-to-day operation abruptly left the show, possibly over his inability to win 11 matches in the team's first ten games.

Now Vladimir R wishes to take even more control. How much control does this man need?!

Perhaps a better question might be: How much patience will the fans of this mighty club be asked to withstand before there is a serious backlash?

Yes, it's only a soap opera. How could I forget. Surely, this tale couldn't possibly happen in real life.

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