NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Careless Fire Crews Watch Home Burn Due to Unpaid Fee

By John Danz Jr

Sometimes, you read a news story and you immediately become somber, sickened and irate - any good story should elicit such a response.

Well, maybe you don't, but a man of my convictions and personality tends to be passionate about things others wouldn't usually concern themselves with.

Apparently, a double-wide trailer in South Fulton, Tennessee burned down last week after some trash his son ignited burned out of control and subsequently burned the house. The man lost every possession he had, including his three dogs and one cat.

The preceding was the somber portion of our program, folks.

The following can adequately fit itself into the last two categories: sickening and incendiary - literally and figuratively.

You may be wondering at this point: "Where the HELL was the fire department?" Make no mistake, the fire department showed up. The courageous, hardy, impartial, altruistic and benevolent boys in red and yellow slid down their poles, suited up, rushed to the scene in their iconic fire engine, hooked up their hoses, rushed out of the truck and...

...They protected the neighbor's house.

Yes folks, these heroes we all admire and love didn't see the point in helping old Gene Cranick, all because of the fact that he forgot to pay his $75 FIRE SUBSCRIPTION FEE. These idiots had the temerity to show up to the scene of the fire, which by now was encompassing and engulfing his home and everything he had, and start spraying around the NEIGHBOR'S house to protect it.

Now, as a human being with a brain, naturally I have questions. How in the hell could they just let a man's home burn in front of them? Did they not see the fire? Did they all suddenly become mentally incapacitated the moment they saw big, shiny flames? Maybe, it is rural Tennessee, but no, no no. You see folks, the neighbor didn't forget to pay his fire subscription fee, so these life and property savers decided to give his lawn a good water.

In true, all-American, warm-your-heart-and-soul goodness, these fine, uniformed members of the local fire squadron proudly stood back and watched, as if standing at attention and saluting an esteemed military official - watching this man's home burn to the ever-loving ground. The only thing that would make such a scene so fitting is if the National Anthem were playing in the background.

And in true, all-American, I'm-going-to-kick-your-ass form, the son of this burdened man walked up to the fire chief and knocked him flat on his careless ass. Sure, the son was charged with assault, but hey - I'd have done the SAME EXACT THING. A faint smile took over my face when I read this statement from the city's police chief: "He just cold-cocked him."

He cold cocked him.

I can't say he was undeserving of such a fate. What's a hospital stay and a headache compared to being the reason a man lost every possession he ever owned, as well as his home? If this man has the vaguest form of a conscience, he needs to be put on suicide watch.

What's even worse is this: As Cranick called 911 in a panic, they apparently told him that it was too late. He said he'd pay whatever fee he'd have to - and they told him it was too late.

I hate to be a sensationalist here, but isn't this America?

...

I think I just answered my own question. Nevermind!

John Danz Jr. is a work in progress, who enjoys the freedom of writing. Contact him at undertakerlives@gmail.com.