This moment in the lives of a couple of small town Canadian firefighters has got me thinking:

As the smouldering site was being demolished, some firefighters noticed the six kegs of beer and decided to save the valuable merchandise, Oliver Mayor Pat Hampson told The Province Monday night. But instead of turning the salvaged suds over to the police, the kegs were taken to the Oliver firehall for safekeeping. “The unfortunate part is the owners didn’t know [the kegs] had been removed,” said Hampson. “While they were at the firehall, somebody decided to open one up.” Hampson called the incident “very serious.” “Two firefighters were suspended as punishment for what we consider inappropriate actions,” said Hampson. “The police have completed their investigation,” he said, adding he is unaware whether any charges have been recommended. “There was no malice aforethought.”

One former local fire chief noted that usually the valuables are turned over to the police in a situation like this. But was the beer valuable? Surely no one would consider reselling the beer that has been through a fire. There is now way it could have been sold after that point. But the keg that was tapped was clearly operable, reusable and not their property. Yet, look at the photo with the story - the place was a total write off. These two firemen just risked their lives for the community good and only wanted a little beer.

The fire department is taking out an ad to apologize. Would they have done that if it was a bakery and the firemen had nicked a couple of miraculously saved peanut butter cookies? I think the bar owner should give the firefighters some back up and say they are welcome at his next place anytime. But that is me. Would Fireman Sam have done? He is my true ethical guide in such matters.