Thieves burglarize fire station

WASILLA — A fire station was burglarized last week and some of the stolen equipment was later recovered.

The station in question is the one firefighters refer to as 5-2, which stands at the corner of Bogard and Engstrom roads.

Borough Emergency Services Director Dennis Brodigan said that the thieves made off with:

• A 42-inch flat-screen television.

•Meters used for detecting various gases.

• SCBAs — the air tank systems firefighters use when entering burning buildings.

• PPEs — firefighter-speak for helmets, jackets and pants worn at fire scenes.

Alaska State Troopers report that, overall, $20,000 worth of stuff was taken. Brodigan didn’t have a full account of what all was taken or what has been recovered.

Troopers report that some of the gear was found in the Cottonwood subdivision. Brodigan said he was told the house in question was not occupied at the time — its owner was fixing it up to rent it.

“A (vacant) house was broken into and some of the items were left in the (vacant) house,” Brodigan said.

Since most Valley fire departments are staffed with what the borough terms “paid on-call” employees who aren’t on duty until an emergency happens, few stations are staffed round-the-clock.

“There is a presence there on and off,” Brodigan said. “It’s like anything else like we can’t be in our homes 24/7 and we aren’t in our fire stations either.”

A lot of stations have security systems installed. Brodigan said the borough is working to get grants to install more, but the money has been slow in coming.

Troopers ask that anyone with information in this case call them at 745-2131 or, to remain anonymous, call Mat-Su Crime Stoppers at 745-3333.