Why wasn't this software open source from the get-go? The writing seems to indicate that it was initially developed with altruistic intentions, but I don't see

Why wasn't this software open source from the get-go? The writing seems to indicate that it was initially developed with altruistic intentions, but I don't see that at all. If the original developers wanted fire departments to have an affordable, lasting solution then proprietary software and VC funding seem like the wrong direction.