A film by Benjamin Cook
The Best of Us shines a light on Cornell’s volunteer firefighters, blending interviews and real-life moments to show how ordinary people take extraordinary risks to protect their families, friends and neighbors with courage and selflessness.
The Best of Us is a feature documentary that exposes a growing national crisis: the sharp decline of volunteer firefighters—who still make up 70 percent of the United States fire service. Set in the rural town of Cornell, Wisconsin, the film follows the Cornell Area Fire Department over two years as it undergoes a pivotal leadership shift.
Veteran fire chief Denny, who served the department and his community for 50 years, prepares to hang up his helmet. As he passes the torch to a new generation, the film captures a firehouse navigating the challenges of recruitment, retention and relevance in a fast-changing world.
Directed by Cornell-native Benjamin Cook, The Best of Us offers rare, on-the-ground access to the lives of volunteer firefighters—unsung heroes who battle blazes, train relentlessly and protect their neighbors while balancing jobs and family life.
Through screenings across the country, The Best of Us has sparked conversations and galvanized support for local fire departments nationwide.
Benjamin Cook
Benjamin Cook is a filmmaker and editor with over two decades of experience in the film and television industry. Growing up in Cornell, Wisconsin, Cook’s fascination with film was sparked in the local theater, where he spent countless hours immersed in motion pictures.
Welcome to the Scientology Network Documentary Showcase
Fundamental to Scientology is a humanitarian mission of extraordinary scope, now extending to some 200 nations. Included therein are programs for human rights, human decency, literacy, morality, drug prevention and disaster relief.
For this reason, the Scientology Network provides a platform for Independent filmmakers who embrace a vision of building a better world.
