For second time Detroit’s Ladder 22 has saws stolen
Image from Detroit Firehouse Facebook page.
Detroit firefighters say two saws they use while responding to emergencies have been stolen from a truck while crews battled a blaze.
The theft took place early Sunday as firefighters were working on Dundee Street near Grand River Avenue. Jeremy Mullins, a 14-year veteran firefighter, told the Detroit Free Press there had been 10 fires within three days in a three-block area where crews were working.
“We parked the rig and fought the fire. When we came back and opened the compartment, they were gone,” he said. “It was easy pickings.”
Mullins said the thieves made off with a chainsaw and a large K-14 saw. Both are important tools for firefighters, he said, and cost about $2,000 each.
Katrease Stafford, Detroit Free Press:
Mullins said after the first theft, the firefighters installed a bracket and a chain in Ladder 22 and locked both saws up.
But Ladder 22’s rig is in the repair shop, so the firefighters are using a temporary pickup truck with a pump on the back. Mullins said firefighters were unable to secure the saws, leaving the equipment vulnerable.
Mullins was able to replace the chainsaw by using money the firefighters had saved up to repair the firehouse’s kitchen, which is in disrepair. Mullins, who has been a firefighter for nearly 14 years, said the city is unable to cover the cost.
The firefighters have set up a PayPal account to cover the cost of the K-14 saw.
