They're running into burning buildings, while others run out. They're firefighters. But while they commit their lives to protect the community, an annual firefighters conference is focused on reminding these heroes to take care of themselves, too.

Just like Superman, they're in the business of saving lives. But they're also human. "So they can go out. Do the job. Put the fires out. Rescue. Protect the community and be safe. And we keep them safe and at the day's end of work they get to go home to their families," said Stanley Torres, fire chief up at Andersen Air Force Base. That's why the theme for this year's Western Pacific Islands Association of Fire Chiefs training is focused on protecting and providing the tools necessary to do their jobs safely.

Chief Torres added, "One of the biggest things we're doing is making sure they know how to take care of themselves, medically, physically, and mentally." The two-day conference kicked off Wednesday at the Lotte Hotel with over 80 Guam firefighters on- and off-base as well as firefighters from Palau, Pohnpei, and the CNMI.

For CNMI's fire commissioner Clyde Norita, the annual conference is already proving to be a great networking opportunity. He shared, "The CNMI is really limited. So I met a couple of people who are instructors. And are willing to come to the CNMI and train our firefighters. Now, that's far cheaper for me then to send 15 firefighters to Guam or the mainland."

It's also an opportunity to streamline standards. "Guam firefighters can come to the CNMI operate the CNMI equipment apparatus and same thing that we do when we come here. So we have a set standard. 0203 and it's a bigger picture with the international association of fire chiefs," added Norita.

The conference concludes Thursday with awards and recognition as well as what's in store for the Pacific Island Region for the next five years.