(New Berlin) — An area fire house has fallen victim to burglars. New Berlin VFD Chief Kurt Strey says several items were taken during a recent break-in at Station 2 located in the Olmos area on FM 467.
Strey, who isn’t holding back on his disappointment, recently made his thoughts clear on social media and now with Seguin Radio KWED.
“Of course, the initial reaction is I guess surprised moving on into anger. There’s a lot of hard work that goes into getting the equipment that we have not only from our fire department members but also from our community and to have someone come in and just take it away is very frustrating and saddening and angering all at the same time,” said Strey.
Strey says unfortunately, most of the items stolen were lifesaving equipment – equipment that does not come easy or cheap for any volunteer fire department.
“There was quite a bit of stuff taken, jaws of life, spanner wrenches and hydrant wrenches, tools that we use for a lot of various things on fire scenes. The one that really just gets us is the jaws of life. That is a specialized piece of equipment that is not easily replaced and certainly is very much of a life saving piece or pieces and having that not be there is definitely putting potentially some lives at risk. Now, luckily our fire department does have some forethought to have some extra stuff. The only thing that we are unable to really replace at this moment to continue our operation is that jaws unit. However, we do have another jaws unit at our other station so we are not totally out but at the same time, it will increase the response time for that piece of equipment,” said Strey.
Strey says the incident was reported just after the winter storm in February. He says he now hopes that someone has overheard or has learned of a few clues that might point them in the direction of a suspect.
“This is not just for the New Berlin Fire Department. This is for everyone. Just pay more attention to what is going on around you. If you see something as they say, say something. Call the sheriff’s department, report anything that doesn’t look right and I don’t know if you are aware of it but somewhat of a related story, the Marion Volunteer Fire Department had an air conditioning unit stolen from one of their fire stations I believe just last week so they are obviously not as bad but at the same time, there’s definitely an issue here of volunteer fire departments being targeted the way I see it,” said Strey.
Items taken specifically were one Holmatro jaws of life; one jaws of life spreader, cutter and core hose; one Kenwood VHF radio; an Astron 50-amp power supply; one wheeled 12-volt battery charger; two 45 quart Yeti ice chests; two Scott self-contained breathing apparatus masks; Kochek spanner wrenches; one McCleod rake, one hay rake, two red fire axes and a handful of miscellaneous mechanics tools.
Strey says the VFD is now forced to operate with even less equipment and all while trying to find the money to replace items. Unfortunately, he says it’s the fire house that is now asking for a little rescue.
“Our fire department Facebook page does have a PayPal account. Of course, direct donations sent to the fire department area always gratefully appreciated and especially since last year, we were unable to have any of our fundraisers due to COVID and of course, that is still kind of undecided at this point for this year. Anything that people are able to help with would be greatly appreciated,” said Strey.
Meanwhile during his public plea for assistance, Strey is adding on one more thing on its list of needs. Although it has nothing to do with the burglary, Strey says Station 1 in New Berlin is also in need of some help. He says the fire house sustained a water pipe break during the winter storm and is now seeking the help of a plumber or anyone who can assist with repairs.
Strey says the department’s motto is “neighbors helping neighbors since 1972” and right now, he says they could really use some of their neighbors’ help.
Donations for the New Berlin VFD can made online via PayPal. A link to donate can be found on the New Berlin Facebook page.