[GonzoGOP]

This argument is why paid firefighting should be avoided at all costs. It also reminds me why I should donate more time to my local fire company.

Bad example. They were a volunteer fire company, so the individuals didn't get paid. They demanded a $75 per year fee to cover equipment. They guy didn't pay, so his house burned. A good, if hard nosed, business decision.

But as I said earlier the fire company now gets all the respect that I give the repo man or the lawyer on retainer. If you demand money up front for a service, expect to be treated as a contract employee not a hero. They have demonstrated clearly that they are mercenaries, no more, no less.

[Roccus]

On at least two occasions you have called this a Volunteer FD. That is NOT the case. It is a professional FD paid for by the taxpayers of that city. The homeowner does NOT pay these city taxes. He lives outside the city. The city had decided to allow the FD to answer calls outside the city fire district on a subscription basis. This homeowner CHOSE not to subscribe. His next door neighbor however, did subscribe and his house was saved. If a fireman had been injured saving the house of the UNsubscribed homeowner,(acting outside its jurisdiction) would that fireman be covered by the FD’s insurance carrier?...doubtful.

BTW, I have the same situation where I live. I pay NO TAXES to the county for fire protection. I pay a fee because I am in the "subscriber area", the professional FD house in my nearby city is closer to my home than the nearest VFD and it has more/better equipment than the VFD. The city FD WILL send out a rescue truck to ALL CALLS within its subscriber area in case there are lives at stake, but not send equipment to save unsubscribed property. This is as it should be and I am pleased with this arrangement.

[Roccus]

In my #25 I said, “I pay NO TAXES to the county for fire protection.” I should add that there IS NO county-wide fire protection.....just a few VFDs.