The Compassion of the Government

180 feet too far for firefighters

The Steese Fire Department responded to the call within two minutes of it coming in but turned back when they realized it was outside the service area. Callaway said he saw them turn off their lights and head back to the station.

"When I saw the truck pull up and turn off its lights, it kind of hurt," he said.

Deputy chief Mike Holzmueller said it's just the policy of all the volunteer departments in the borough to not respond to fires outside their range because they don't pay taxes for the service.

"It's unfortunate that it was outside the area," he said.

Just the policy, folks.