Henderson: Ladder 49

In the film Ladder 49 Jack Morris, a firefighter, develops strong relationships with his co-workers along with his wife and family. In my opinion, Jack’s relationships with his fellow firemen became the most important to him because it seemed as if destiny and purpose in life came from saving the lives of others. Jack’s relationships with his family was strong, and it is clear in the film that he loves them, but other important experiences Jack went through was related more towards those who he worked with. Jack, to me, falls into the category of people who form extreme bonds with their co-workers because of the extremely dangerous job they embark on together; it takes really knowing and trusting a person to be able to work together in life or death situations where the strong companionship likely stems from. Also, Jack’s relationship with his firefighting team is bound to be more important to him because the occupation and everything that goes along with it helps him to fulfill his destiny and purpose.

In a scene from the beginning of the film Jack is seen attempting to save a man’s life when the inventory in the warehouse explodes causing him to ultimately break his leg and the other men in on his team help to rescue him. I think that Jack gets a real since of belonging and love from the men on his unit because they depend on each other for their own survival as well as those trapped in unthinkable situations. The love and concern for his family is evident, but the passion of his work as a fireman comes across as more important because of its nature, if nothing else. Later in the film, Jack takes on a new position as a search and rescue fireman when his friend dies on duty. This decision did not go over well with his wife because of the added amount of danger it included. Even though his wife encourages him to take the position deep down she wants her husband in the administrative office job that he was offered. Even though this is the case and his wife and family want him to be as safe as possible, he still moves forward with the new and more dangerous position.

In another scene from the end of the movie when Jack dies I think it ultimately shows he has so much love for his occupation and what he is doing for others that he risked his life and lost it. This confirms what is important to Jack because he willingly knows the risk of his job and has children that could lose him anytime he is at work. Knowing all of this he continues to go to work and dies doing what he loves.