As we do for military and firefighters, we presumably label as "heroes" the "we-thank-you-for-your-service" police officers.  Lee, you then compare others.  But, is it as easy to be a hero for those not paid by taxes to put their lives on the line such as waiters, janitors, homemakers, struggling students, 2nd string athletes, and others wanting be exactly as they are for "all the right reasons"?  For those we pay to be our "heroes," shouldn't we expect a higher industry?  Shouldn't we then expect that one rotten apple is one too many?  After all, that is why we presume police generally as our heroes, because they are expected to go above and beyond the call despite pay, because they want to "for all the right reasons."  Or, should we just presume them heroically comparable to the beleaguered 2nd string athlete under a junk coach?  While I emote over your humanities discourse, your points don't quite fit.