Sacramento Fire Department Experiences Two Incidents of Theft

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The Sacramento Fire Department experienced a rough day yesterday as they experienced two incidents of theft.

Just before 4:00 p.m. at Fire Station 57, located at 7927 East Parkway on the corner of East Parkway and Franklin Blvd., a fire engine robbery occurred. The engine was parked in the driveway in the front of the station so that city officials could make modifications to the apparatus room. Firefighters were inside of Station 57 while the engine was parked on the front apparatus ramp with front apparatus doors open. Prior to the engine being stolen, city facility crew personnel working on the apparatus room left the station.

A Fish and Game warden on Franklin Blvd near Twin Cities Road spotted the stolen fire engine at approximately 3:51 pm.  An adult male was seen walking away from the area and detained by California Highway Patrol.  After questioning, the suspect was booked and taken to jail by CHP. Thankfully, there was no evidence of vehicle damages resulting from any type of accident. All of the equipment appeared to be on the vehicle and unharmed as well. However, one of the rear tires sustained significant damage due to the engine being driven with the emergency break engaged.  An inspection and any needed repairs was conducted by the Meadowview Corporation Facility.

Fire engines, and commercial vehicles in general, are extremely difficult to operate without familiarity or training.  Sacramento Fire Department engines and trucks do not have keys that are placed in an ignition, as one would expect to find in a standard vehicle, according to a Sacramento Fire Department news release.  In addition, battery switches must be turned on, start buttons pressed, and the emergency breaks disengaged to properly operate this type of vehicle.

The Sacramento Fire Department is also looking to the public for assistance in the recovery of stolen fire training equipment that is vital to the training of new fire recruits.  The equipment was being stored in conex boxes near the McClellan Park Fire Training Facility. Generators, chain saws, nail guns, compressors, circular saws, axes and many other types of hand tools are just some of the equipment that was stolen, totaling an estimated loss $20,000.00.



Author:Renee Marquart - Fire Department Network News