In the days and months after 9/11, all of us in the fire service were security conscious. Our fire stations were locked down. We questioned everyone who walked into our stations, even the poor guy that needed directions.

However, the passing of time has caused some of us to become less diligent. Remember, it doesn't need to be a terrorist entering our stations to steal a rig.

By now, many of you will have read the information from the Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) regarding vehicle and apparatus thefts. It could become a serious problem if not dealt with at a local level. You may say, "I have enough on my plate to deal with being a fire chief in this day and age." While I agree with that assumption, I still think we can be a little more diligent in our efforts.

As you all know, the majority of fire apparatus start by merely turning the battery on and pushing the start button, something  my 4-year-old son did about 16 years ago during a station visit, much to the dismay of firefighters looking on. I guess watching dad do this numerous times with him in attendance didn't help matters.

To prevent potential accidents and thefts around our stations, we need to be a little bit more safety and security conscious. How many times have you seen fire stations wide open with every available door open and vehicles sometimes running on the front apron with no one to be found, or ambulances left running outside hospital emergency departments?

Standard procedures
While our fire stations don't need to be like Fort Knox, we do need to develop standard operating procedures for security if they are not already in place, and make everyone responsible for following them.
 
Let's try to make a proactive solution to a problem, before it really becomes a serious issue.

The EMR-ISAC has observed that vehicle and apparatus thefts continue to plague first responder organizations throughout the nation's Emergency Services Sector (ESS). These thefts often result in serious damage, and an occasional disruption in services.

As the EMR-ISAC notes, "when the vehicular component of their internal critical infrastructures is degraded, ESS departments and agencies face a greater challenge attempting to remain fully 'response-able.'"

Typical response activities take place under fast-paced, stress-filled conditions in situations where emergency vehicles and apparatus cannot be visually monitored for periods of time.

Theft records state that thieves, the mentally unstable, substance-impaired individuals, pranksters, and other people exploit the unattended and/or unsecured status of responder vehicles to steal, "borrow," or joyride. Emergency vehicles that feature keyless ignition systems are easier theft targets because hot-wiring is unnecessary.

Appliance damaged
Recently, a teenager was able to easily start a large, extremely expensive fire apparatus using its mechanical buttons, and drove away while firefighters were engaged indoors. The young driver later failed to negotiate a turn, landed the truck sideways, and slid a short distance.

With repair costs close to the price of a new rig, city officials are now struggling with the dilemma of whether to repair or replace the damaged 44-foot- long vehicle. Regardless, until a decision is made, the apparatus is unavailable.

Unofficial research indicates that emergency vehicles are stolen more often during shift changes, and while idling near hospital emergency rooms and incident scenes.

Records also show that perpetrators have even forced their way into unoccupied stations to get to emergency vehicles and apparatus. While the thefts themselves are a crime against responder organizations, the long-term consequences include the degradation of physical infrastructure and monetary losses no emergency organization can afford.

Considering this ongoing problem, the EMR-ISAC suggests ESS leaders, owners, and operators review their standard operating procedures and guidelines to promote practices that eliminate vulnerabilities and protect their vehicles and apparatus from theft.

If you don't have a security plan in place, then make one. Don't wait before it is too late and your department becomes a statistic on a crime sheet.

Discuss this article in the Columns and Exclusives section of FireRescue1 Forums