I'm not sure why I didn't know about this last year but evidently it has become the new normal in some areas of this country.
Traditionally fire protection has been paid for through taxes with everyone receiving equal protection. However, some areas are now replacing the traditional model with a fee-for-service system in which each owner is required to “pay their own way.” Those who forget to pay, refuse to pay, or simply cannot pay are not given any services.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Firefighters again watch a house burn down over failure to pay fee (Video) - National Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/...
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Even when firefighters are on the scene protecting the homes of neighboring residents who have "paid up", they are not allowed to put out fires in the homes of residents who have not paid. This is precisely what happened when mobile homeowner, Vicky Bell, called 9-1-1 to report that her home had caught fire. While firefighters did "respond," they remained in their trucks as Bell's home burned to the ground.
Incredibly, unbelievably, despicably, sadly, there are people who believe this is perfectly fine. According to several news sources, South Fulton Mayor David Crocker explained the "no pay no response" policy by saying that if firefighters were to respond to non-paying residents then they would have no incentive to pay. All I can say to Mr. Crocker is, may you never find yourself in a similar position. And, if you do, then pray that your local government is made up of thoughtful, compassionate people who honor basic human decency.