Rural Firefighters Play Sopranos
From News-leader.com:
Monett — Rural firefighters stood by and watched a fire destroy a garage and a vehicle because the property owner, who was injured battling the flames, had not paid membership dues.
Monett Rural Fire Department Chief Ronnie Myers defended the policy, saying the membership-based organization could not survive if people thought the department would respond for free. The department said it will fight a fire without question if a life is believed to be in danger.
Myers said he would make an effort to explain the membership policy to the area’s new Hispanic residents after the property’s owner, Bibaldo Rueda, said he had never been told of the dues policy since moving there 1 1/2 years ago.
How "nice" of Myers. The article goes on to say that Rueda offered to pay them, but that the department "has no policy for on-the-spot billing."
Unbelievable.
(link courtesy of Fark.com)
posted by MMorse @ 7:37 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
Historically this is the way things were done. If you go to historic districts where there are still buildings from the early 1800's you'll see seals that are basically fire insurance. No seal and the fire dept. wouldn't do a thing.
I understand it in a way. Fire fighting equipment isn't cheap and if they're not vetted by the county or city then I can see why they would need to be paid. Now having said that, there should be a poliocy whereby they can accept immediate payment and it should be properly communicated t othe community.
The larger issue here lies with the question: Why does the Monett Rural FD have a history of billing some homeowners' insurance companies after the fire, and refusing payment from Hispanics like Mr. Rueda? I'm stirring a few questions re: same at my blog, and thank you for noting this issue on yours.
You're very welcome, Julie. I'd wondered the same thing myself, and noted with interest that its the Hispanic community in particular that appears to have been neglected in this instance.
Looking forward to dropping in on your blog, and I hope you'll come by Codemorse again. Opinions are welcome, and encouraged.
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