[babygene]

"The scumbag sped through a red light, and this officer pursued him."

Isn't that what he's paid to do? In my opinion that doesn't make him a hero, unless his job description is "hero".

This hero thing really bugs me. The term is used way to frequently. Above and beyond the call of duty..., not just doing your job.

I have no problem calling a fireman who rushes into a building to save someone a hero, or a cop that risks his life and rushes in to a hostage situation to rescue a hostage. I do have a problem with calling a cop who shoots or gets shot by someone while just doing his job a hero.

[dead]

I think the fact that he continued the pursuit even after the suspect put a bullet in his heart shows a certain amount of dedication to his work.

But you don't have to call him a hero if you don't want to.