GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP —
Bob McCartney isn’t sure why more than $25,000 in equipment was taken from Greenwood Township Volunteer Fire Department.
The theft at the department’s fire hall on Route 285 in southwestern Crawford County was discovered Thursday. Fire radios, lights, a thermal imaging camera system, a 42-inch flat screen TV from the fire hall lounge, and even one set of firefighter apparel and gear were taken, according to Pennsylvania State Police at Meadville.
State police investigators were reviewing the burglary and theft with McCartney, the fire department’s chief, on Friday.
The break-in took place sometime between 9 p.m. Wednesday and 10:30 a.m. Thursday when a back door of the fire hall was found forced open by one of the firemen, said McCartney.
“Everybody (in the department) is in shock,” McCartney said of the burglary.
Despite the theft of equipment, Greenwood Township residents and those in surrounding areas don’t need to worry about fire protection, according to McCartney.
“We’ll still be able to provide service to the community,” said McCartney. “It may slow us down a bit.”
The loss of the thermal imaging camera is a financial blow to the department as one of the cameras costs $10,000 to $15,000, said McCartney. However, Greenwood Township Volunteer Fire Department does have insurance on the items, and the camera’s serial number was recorded, he said.
“I have no idea what someone would do with it,” McCartney said of the camera.
Thermal imaging cameras use detection of infrared radiation, typically emitted from a heat source, to create a “picture” assembled for video output. They are used by firefighters in a number of ways: They can provide information to size up a fire incident; track fire growth; locate victims and other first responders; and locate exit routes. They also can be used to help locate persons who are lost in a wooded area by searching for the heat generated by a human body.
Persons with any information about the theft are asked to contact Pennsylvania State Police at Meadville at 332-6911.
Keith Gushard can be reached at 724-6370 or by email at kgushard@meadvilletribune.com.
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