911 Hero performed by Michael Israel in New York

More about the artist: michaelisrael.com

Don't miss the end! Goosebumps, cheers, smiles, and tears! This work has helped with many important causes.

Produced by Wolfgang Films.

HERO explores commitment to an ideal. It asks the question: What endeavor would you undertake knowing full well that the odds are you will fail? What would you give your all to knowing it's likely you will be severely injured or even die trying? What is the greatest possible reward and in that thought, what is the most valuable and priceless thing on earth?


Paul and Chrissie are a young couple, in their twenties, and have started a new family.

Story as told by Chrissie

I'll never forget that day...It plays like a movie in my mind, over and over. My Husband, Paul, didn't even eat breakfast that day. He was so excited, he wanted to get to the fire station early. It was his first week on the job.

Paul headed for the door, but realized he had forgotten something important to him...Jessie, our adorable three year old. She came running across the floor and jumped up in his arms...when Paul told her that he loved her, Jessie's face lit up with a big smile, and in her tiny voice she said, " Daddy, will you play with me when you get home?" Paul smiled and said, "Of Course, Jessie... you are why I do what I do!"

And then Jessie said, " Daddy, you're my big HERO...be careful, Daddy."

I hated that we both had to work, but I was glad that Jessie could go to Gayle's apartment, to play with her daughter, Jen. When we got there Jessie and Jen started playing with dolls right away and chattering about one thing and than another, and I heard Jen say, that her Dad worked up in the clouds in the tallest office building.

Then on my way out the door, I heard Jessie say tell Jen, that her Daddy is a Fireman. She sounded so proud. I left feeling happy and proud of both Jessie and Paul.

I didn't know that day would change my life....forever!

Gayle told me that Jessie got up to go to the bathroom. Right after she closed the door, there was a huge explosion. Gayle said the apartment filled with smoke. Without even thinking, she grabbed Jen and ran out.

She said she frantically found the Fire Chief and told him that there was another little girl trapped in the bathroom, up in her apartment. She told me, she didn't know what to do as the Chief told her there was no way that he could send any more men into that collapsing, old building as it was too far gone.

They had also lost two Firefighters in the blaze. Then, Gayle heard Paul's voice on the radio, saying he was on the second floor. The Chief told Paul, to "GET OUT! that he had his own family to think about." ... read the rest at http://michaelisrael.com/2012/videos/hero-video/