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A break in at the Vonda fire hall has caused thousands in damages, burning holes in the pockets of the department’s volunteers.
Jordan Florizone, Deputy Chief with Grant Fire Rescue in Vonda, said the incident happened on the evening of Dec. 16, when he received a call from the town foreman stating the bay door was left open, truck doors were open, and the area was rifled through.
The deputy chief estimates the total cost of damages and lost items is around $5,000. (Grant Fire Rescue – RM 372/Facebook)
Florizone said when he arrived at the hall with the Fire Chief, they saw that up to $3,000 in hand tools, batteries and gear used for vehicle extrication were stolen.
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He added that a sledgehammer had its handle cut off with a grinder, and the head was left behind.
“I think it’s some sort of delinquents that just wanted to steal some stuff and cause a mess,” Florizone said, noting additional damage caused by forcing the hall’s door open will cost thousands more in damage.
A sledgehammer handle was cut off with a grinder and stolen. (Grant Fire Rescue – RM 372/Facebook)
He said some members of the community are angry and bewildered by the situation.
“We’re out there saving people’s lives, saving people’s property (and) we’re out there protecting the community,” Florizone said.
“A lot of effort is put in on behalf of the team who sacrifices their time throughout the year on call 24/7 and two to three grand of tools and the three grand damage to the building can be a real big hit to a small budget,” he said noting that the department is volunteer-based and relies on fundraisers and taxpayer funds.
Damages to the pried open door will cost thousands according to the deputy chief. (Grant Fire Rescue – RM 372/Facebook)
Luckily, there was no call for service that day, as the aftermath of the break-in could have caused delays.
“It’s one thing to steal tools – it’s another one to be so wasteful, vandalize and to wreck things. It just makes no sense,” he said.
Florizone said volunteers purchased new tools with their own money until they can be reimbursed through the RM and insurance.
