Won't call again

Dear Editor,

I am a longtime resident of Red Willow County. On Tuesday, Dec. 23, I called the village volunteer fire department to my residence two blocks away to put out a fire in my pickup.

Upon arriving, about 15-20 men pulled out the hose on the new fire truck. Guess what -- the pump didn't work. One of the men asked me for a garden hose. Finally, the pickup burned up as the men stood around talking nonchalantly. What if my house had been on fire? I certainly won't call these guys again.

Ray Havel

Bartley

EDITOR'S NOTE -- Bartley fire officials said the new truck does work properly, but declined to comment on the incident in question.