“Firefighters let Gene Cranick's house burn, pets die over $75.00 (video) - Examiner” plus 1 more

Firefighters let Gene Cranick's house burn, pets die over $75.00 (video) - Examiner

Posted: 05 Oct 2010 06:30 PM PDT

Firefighters let Gene Cranick's house burn, pets die over $75.00 (video)

It may be time for South Fulton, Tennessee to rethink their policies on fire protection. A resident of Obion County, Tennessee, Gene Cranick, lost his home and pets to a fire because he forgot to pay the annual $75.00 fee for fire protection. Gene Cranick lives outside the South Fulton limits, therefore he must pay the South Fulton fire department the fee for protection. He didn't pay the fee, and he didn't get service.

Speaking with WTMA, Gene Cranick said, "I just forgot to pay my $75. "I did it last year, the year before. ... It slipped my mind."

The South Fulton fire department had no alternative programs in place, no charitable emergency organizations that would step in on a moment's notice and pay the fee, and apparently no desire to put out Gene Cranick's mobile home fire on behalf of the state of Tennessee. Instead, they followed orders and did nothing.

WTMA says the fire was eventually put out when a neighbor who had paid the fee called for service after the fire threatened their residence. Though the neighbor offered to pay for the department to extinguish the fire at Gene Cranick's mobile home, they refused.

What would South Fulton do if no one paid the fee? Would they let the whole city burn? There is no doubt that it is time for South Fulton or the state of Tennessee to rethink their policies regarding the pay or no spray policy.

You may see a video report with Gene Cranick and MSNBC's Keith Olbermann in the video player to the left.

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Episcopal Church hosts service for pets, owners - MLive.com

Posted: 01 Oct 2010 06:17 AM PDT

Published: Friday, October 01, 2010, 9:00 AM

Furry, feathered, and scaly companions are invited to receive a special blessing with their owners during a unique service Sunday, Oct. 3, at Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 101 N. Walnut, Allegan.

"We wish the animals, just like their owners, to know God's peace," senior lay leader Peter Corrigan said. "So we want to follow in the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi."

The blessing ceremony is slated for 1 p.m outside the church tucked in downtown Allegan on the corner of Walnut and Hubbard streets. If it rains, the service will be held inside the church.

"Legend and lore inform us that St. Francis was a great lover of all creations,"said William Whiting, rector of the parish. "He is widely considered the patron saint of all animals."

Whiting and the Good Shepherd parishioners have held several animal blessing services at the church in recent years. The short service includes some scripture readings and prayers plus a blessing statement pronounced over each animal and owner. This year, there will also be some treats provided for any dogs and cats that attend.

"Any individual is welcome to bring any animal to the service," Corrigan said.

For more information about the animal blessing service at the church, call 269-673-2254 or 616-460-2249.

Pets Zone

Wednesday, October 6, 2010