[GonzoGOP]

I chalk this whole thing up to one of my mom's old sayings. You may have every right to be a jerk, but in the end you are still a jerk. The guy didn't pay the bill so the firemen had every right to not put out the fire. In terms of a business it was exactly what they needed to do. But standing buy laughing while a man's house is destroyed makes you a jerk.

Firemen have always been respected more than insurance agents and lawyers. And there was a darn good reason for that. Lawyers and insurance agents were pure mercenary. They did what they did for the money and didn't give a damn what happened to the people involved. Firemen, even the professional variety who get paid for what they do, were always viewed as something more. It wasn't just about the money, but a duty to the community. That is why firemen ride at the front of a parade, while the lawyers sit on the curb. It is why mercenaries will never receive the same respect as the soldier, even though they do essentially the same job.

By refusing to put out the fire, the volunteer fire company made a shrewd business decision. But they also put themselves firmly into the category of all other ruthless business people. That is well within their rights. But it will never make them beloved. If $75 is worth trashing their reputation in the community, then they made the right decision.

[samtheman]

You may have every right to be a jerk, but in the end you are still a jerk.

Your mother was right. And it sure does apply here.

[Racer1]

They all got paid to stand there and watch it burn so not getting paid doesn’t hold much water.

The auto insurance analogy doesn’t work because firefighting is damage prevention not damage coverage.

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.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

I chalk this whole thing up to one of my mom's old sayings. You may have every right to be a jerk, but in the end you are still a jerk.

If nobody paid the fee, there would be no fire department.

Then what, Mother Theresa?