For 10 points, 343 members of what profession died while responding to the World Trade Center attacks on 9/11?
Benjamin A. Baker's play A Glance at New York introduced a popular stock character in this profession into 19th century American theater, named Mose.   General Alexander Shaler reformed an organization of New Yorkers in this profession after taking over from Elisha Kingsland.  In the 19th century, men in this profession might only service people who had marks from companies such as the Philadelphia Contributionship.  In early America, youths known as (*) "laddies" worked in this profession.  In 1910, 28 people in this profession known as the "Lost Crew" were killed during the Big Blowup.  Rival gangs in this profession once fought to secure "first water" rights in New York.  A union of 30 volunteers in this profession was organized in Philadelphia in 1736 at the suggestion of Ben Franklin.  For 10 points, 343 members of what profession died while responding to the World Trade Center attacks on 9/11?
Benjamin A. Baker's play A Glance at New York introduced a popular stock character in this profession into 19th century American theater, named Mose.   
firefighters [or firemen or volunteer firefighters]