OP-ED: Shame on Willows for new fire fees

I cannot state this strongly enough: I would rather walk, bleeding and limping to the hospital before I let Willows firefighters lay their hands on me.

Willows' decision to charge hundreds of dollars for accidents and other emergencies turns one of the best regarded public services into a cash cow. The Willows Fire Department mission statement could now be changed to "Protect and collect." The public must now consider their family finances before calling for help. Travelers might want to endure their chest pain while they drive on to the next town where they can receive better service. It is a slap on the face to firefighters serving the public.

Willows' program specifies a minimum charge of $435 for a traffic accident stating, "this occurs almost every time a fire department responds to an accident/incident;" $435 to respond to a fender-bender and leave?

The minimum charge for a car fire is $605 and even charges for "breathing air." As a firefighter myself, I know that breathing air is simply air pumped out of the sky into an air cylinder. Charging for air!

As a 20-year firefighter in the state of California, I am horrified and disgusted that fire departments are making this move to double-charge for services, extorting the public in a time of need. We provide social services to non-citizens, but not emergency services to Californians? What say Willows firefighters?

Firefighters standing behind this double-taxation should disavow all claim to the title "Hero" and begin wearing badges emblazoned with "Revenue Agent".

Why would I want to stop, shop or visit Willows as I have many times in the past? Since Willows now views me as a revenue target, why would I summon or welcome your firefighters' services? I simply won't be reporting any emergencies in Willows. I will purchase gas and food elsewhere.

Willows Fire Department will sooner receive a one-finger wave if they attempt to assist me in any way. I hereby formally revoke any and all consent to treatment by Willows Fire Department. Please advise your city attorney.

Discriminatory billing, I pray, will be found illegal. It is a cancer that is raising insurance rates statewide without any vote of the people or their Legislature. It is not free revenue. Residents and non-residents will pay for this; anyone who pays insurance premiums.

You have found a way to, in-effect, tax every citizen of this state for services we already pay for. Worse, the Roseville corporation that Willows has contracted with, Fire Recovery USA, will get to skim the pockets of Willows' injured and sick. Private medical records will be viewed by low-pay data entry clerks further exposing victims to identity theft.

Did you ever serve the citizens as a first-responder firefighter? You are not serving the citizens now and you are giving those of us who do a black eye. Is there a "Do not resuscitate" form or medical bracelet I can wear when in Willows? I'll call a taxi. I don't want your help.

Kevin P. Rice

San Luis Obispo