American Notes San Diego

Michael Pallamary was surveying a construction site in the San Diego suburb of El Cajon last month when he noticed smoke pouring from an apartment house across the street. Vaulting a fence, Pallamary, 32, rushed into the building and, despite thick smoke and intense heat, pounded on doors to alert some 30 occupants. Then he tried unsuccessfully to rescue Tenant Tim Hurley, 19. Finally Pallamary collapsed. When he left the hospital two days later, he was handed a city paramedic bill for $189.93 -- including a 50% surcharge because he lives out of town.

Rules are rules, said City Manager Bob Acker; only the city council had the authority to waive the fee. Nationwide publicity helped persuade the council last week to forgive the bill and avoid adding insult to Pallamary's injury. Pallamary called the action "very kind, but symbolic." He still faces several thousand dollars in hospital bills.