We use hero to describe both victims and volunteers of all kinds of difficulties and achievements. Who are the heroes among us?2 In the days leading up to a mass shooting in Tucson, Arizona, many described Dory Stoddard as a hero. Dory gave his life for his wife, Mary. When Dory heard shots ring out, he immediately fell on top of his wife to shelter her from the hail of bullets. At the memorial service, the president said, "Dory didn't die a hero; he lived a hero." Long known for his remarkable spirit and love of humanity, Dory Stoddard died as he had always lived: assisting others.3 Dory Stoddard was a civilian hero, who acted instinctively with courage and grace when caught up in extraordinary circumstances. But about what first responders, whose job is, in the words of the widow of a fallen police officer, to "rush toward danger"?4 In Toronto, Canada, downtown life stopped when more than 11,000police officers and other emergency responders marched solemnly through the streets to honor Sergeant Ryan Russell, a 35-year-old "good man and good cop", who believed deeply in his commitment to protect and serve. Sgt. Russell moved quickly to protect others from harm. He tried to stop a drunk driver in a stolen snowplow with only his police automobile and his goodwill to help others. Sadly, Sgt. Russell was unable to stop the drunk driver and was killed in the effort.It used to be that the word hero was reserved for those who performed acts of distinct courage beyond the call of duty. A soldier who runs through gunfire to rescue other military personnel is as a hero. So are larger-than-life leaders such as Nelson Mandela, who emerged after 27 years in jail, confirmed in a solitary chamber. He made the choice not to be bitter, and worked hard as Africa's first black president to establish harmony and helped society reconcile its conflicts.But today, our heroes are average men and women, "everyday heroes" to whom we can say people like us.

W Who's a hero these days? In an era of heightened heroism, the word hero has become more common. We use hero to describe both victims and volunteers of all kinds of difficulties and achievements. Who are the heroes among us?2 In the days leading up to a mass shooting in Tucson, Arizona, many described Dory Stoddard as a hero. Dory gave his life for his wife, Mary. When Dory heard shots ring out, he immediately fell on top of his wife to shelter her from the hail of bullets. At the memorial service, the president said, "Dory didn't die a hero; he lived a hero." Long known for his remarkable spirit and love of humanity, Dory Stoddard died as he had always lived: assisting others.3 Dory Stoddard was a civilian hero, who acted instinctively with courage and grace when caught up in extraordinary circumstances. But about what first responders, whose job is, in the words of the widow of a fallen police officer, to "rush toward danger"?4 In Toronto, Canada, downtown life stopped when more than 11,000police officers and other emergency responders marched solemnly through the streets to honor Sergeant Ryan Russell, a 35-year-old "good man and good cop", who believed deeply in his commitment to protect and serve. Sgt. Russell moved quickly to protect others from harm. He tried to stop a drunk driver in a stolen snowplow with only his police automobile and his goodwill to help others. Sadly, Sgt. Russell was unable to stop the drunk driver and was killed in the effort.It used to be that the word hero was reserved for those who performed acts of distinct courage beyond the call of duty. A soldier who runs through gunfire to rescue other military personnel is as a hero. So are larger-than-life leaders such as Nelson Mandela, who emerged after 27 years in jail, confirmed in a solitary chamber. He made the choice not to be bitter, and worked hard as Africa's first black president to establish harmony and helped society reconcile its conflicts.But today, our heroes are average men and women, "everyday heroes" to whom we can say people like us.