Firefighters are heroes. When they die in the line of fire, their status is bumped up to hero worship. This happens to Russell's dad when he dies trying to save a beloved retired teacher. At first the town, can't do enough for Russell and his mom. There are freebies and parties to honor the fallen firefighter. When an inquiry into the fire reveals his father may not be a hero after all, the town support turns to fury. Russell must come to terms with who his father really is, flaws and all.