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RESCUE FEE

As Indiana deals with some of the worst flooding in decades, I have to give credit to state and local responders for “keeping their heads above water” in all this. There is a lot of good coordination taking place across the state and last I checked there was only one fatality and one person missing (keep checking your local news for updates). To be honest, I am surprised there were not more.

On Saturday there was report after report of people who drove around barricades on flooded streets who later had to be rescued from standing water. I honestly don’t know what part of “don’t drive through standing water” that some people not understand. I had a state trooper tell me a story about an idiot who tried to make it by a viaduct on Emerson Avenue in Indianapolis and ended up getting stuck under the viaduct and nearly drowning. The problem with natural disasters is usually the civilians who don’t pay attention to the news and tread where wise men refuse to follow.

Maybe the state and local governments should start sending these people bills. I’m not talking about someone caught in a set of circumstances beyond their control, but if you through your own folly end up somewhere you have no business being and then state and local officials have to come bail you out, the least the government can do is send you a bill. Maybe that you will make you think twice next time, but at least because of first responders, you will get to have a next time.

  • anonymous

    I agree with you Abdul. If they go where they are told specifically told NOT to go they should pay the bill to be rescued. Rescue workers themselves should not risk their lives for idiots who chose to disobey a sign.

  • Rico43

    What about those who live in flood plains without insurance and expect the rest of us(through federal relief) to cover their costs of rebuilding? That represents a much greater cost to the taxpayer, and a much higher level of irresponsibility.

  • Greg

    Your reference here is to personal accountability. Unfortunately, our beloved United States is moving rapidly away from this concept. All responsibility rests with the government. Let them solve it. Let them fix it. If I want to get stuck in high water, well, it is their responsibility to get me out. If I want to buy a big TV instead of health insurance, it is their responsibility to provide this for me. If I want to use drugs, dring to excess, eat to excess, dismiss any efforts to personal health care and prevention, then let them take care of it. If I want to buy a house that it beyond my means and must be foreclosed, let them take care of it. If I am comfortable in living off a low level of government largess rather than basic work ethic, let them take care of it. What, me worry?

  • guido

    Thats a real problem during a natural occurence. People calling 911 because they stalled in a foot of water. Sir, rmeove your seatblet and step out of the car, now walk toward the dry land. You cant fix stupid. Remember the lady that locked herself in her car and called 911, folkore or fact. We constantly have a waste of resources because of stupidity.

  • http://electricmegaphone.blogspot.com Parker

    Every so often I’m sure a rescue worker is tempted to get just close enough to on of these non-thinkers to communicate, and then say:

    “Charles Darwin says ‘Hi!’”

    while they go on to help people whose woes are NOT self-inflicted.

  • Jon G

    Greg, I agree with you 100%. Right on brother!!

  • Taxpayer 834512

    Amen – Go Greg!

  • http://www.chris-spangle.com Chris Spangle

    Maybe the hovercraft IFD bought was a good idea afterall…. LOL

  • Hardy Har Har

    The hovercraft IFD owns was out of service, it was requested by several agencies Saturday during the flood. It will probably be in service later this summer when we have a drought!

  • James

    Used to be, if you go camping or hiking at a National Park when you are advised not to, and then have to be rescued, they would bill you the cost of your rescue. Do they still do this?

  • Concerned Taxpayer & Citizen

    “The hovercraft IFD owns was out of service, it was requested by several agencies Saturday during the flood.”

    Maybe “one of the boys” was using it to deliver “juice.”

  • flipper

    The new IFD hover craft blew the engine and it has been sent back to Germany for repair or replacement.

    And, as the comedian Ron White says as to the idiots who drive into flooded areas.
    ” You can’t fix stupid “.

  • Outstater

    Ever since Katrina, there is no floodplain distinction for owners and flood insurance. All the taxpayers will pick up most of the $126M or more.

    Cost of doing business now.

  • bit

    what would make sense is to have an ordinance or statute providing for civil fine for people who disregard a warning or order not to drive through area, etc.

    Then, like tickets, one’s driver’s license could ultimately be suspended for failure to pay the fine. That would get people’s attention to pay up rather than the “charge them the bill” which would be just a simple debt.

  • robo

    I don’t know about IFD’s hovercraft, but Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department and Marion TWP VFD from Lawrence County participated in several succesful rescues with their hovercrafts while assisting in Brown County and Columbus. Lawrence County has been using their craft for 15 years and it has been a succesful program.

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