Figure:Voice Tech Rescue Heroes, Billy Blazes

In the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon outside of Washington, D.C., Americans expressed renewed admiration for firefighters, rescue workers, and police officers. Hundreds of rescuers lost their lives in the line of duty that day, and Americans, perhaps in a quest to salvage something of human goodness from the tragedy, made instant heroes of those who died. Fisher-Price had introduced its Rescue Heroes action figures before September 11, 2001, but in the aftermath, the figures became some of the most popular toys of the 2001 holiday season. Aimed at 3- to 5-year-olds, the Rescue heroes feature Billy Blazes, firefighter; Jake Justice, police officer; Jack Hammer, construction expert; and Wendy Waters, firefighter. The manufacturer pronounces them all "Cool Guys who are good guys." Rescue Hero Voice Tech Billy Blazes utters more than 100 phrases and commands, including, "Copy that. Help is on the way! Over." and "Mayday! Mayday! No one gets left behind. Over."