A Colorado man who was rescued by firefighters from floodwaters has sparked outrage in the emergency services community by filing a civil claim for damages against his rescuers.
Roy Ortiz claims that last September 12, 2014 during historic floods he waited some two hours for rescuers to realize he was trapped in his vehicle and effect a rescue. He also claims he is without resources to pay over $500,000 in medical bills he has incurred.
According to his attorney Ed Ferszt, “It’s unfortunate to have to try and cast liability and responsibility for this act of God on the men and women who risked their own lives.”
The civil claim, a precursor to an actual lawsuit, has generated much criticism among firefighters online. Here is Rhett’s take.