This was not a government entity.
This was an association of citizens who banded together to fill the need for a fire department where none existed.
They have no government powers.
Their only power is to withhold services from people who didn't help pay for the equipment and training.
I repeat: this volunteer fire department was not a government entity.
Why is that so difficult for you to comprehend? Are you a Bolshevik or something?
Without stooping to name calling - you obviously are having trouble grasping MY point - there should not be a need for "private" fire departments in this country, anymore than there should be a need for "private" sheriffs.
If an area can't provide their own police protection - the township, county or state steps in and takes care of it.(obviously not for free) Why should fire protection be any different?
Do people band together and hire a private police force? When you get robbed do you have to prove to the police that you have paid your dues before they will go after the robber? How is that any different?