The Capital-Journal
Topeka Capital-Journal (Kansas)
Copyright 2006 The Topeka Capital-Journal
A Topeka firefighter who had organized a fundraising night to benefit a 5-year-old girl became a crime victim while the event was in progress.
Darrin Plank, a firefighter with the Topeka Fire Department and a volunteer with Mission Township Fire Department, where he serves as a lieutenant, had organized a night of poker and prizes in the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge, 2941 S.E. Fremont.
The event raised $2,401 to help pay medical expenses for Josie Martin, who suffers from Jarcho Levin syndrome, a rare genetic bone disorder. But when it was over, Plank discovered thieves had reached into the bed of his pickup truck and taken his red duffle bag that contained his Mission Township fire gear.
The loss was estimated between $1,500 and $2,000 and included fire-retardant pants, coat, helmet, boots, gloves, a hood and a few tools.
The theft occurred between 6 and 10:05 p.m. Sunday. Plank said it appeared someone lowered the tailgate on the truck and grabbed the first thing he or she saw. The bed of the truck was covered.
“I don’t what good it would be to anybody other than a costume,” Plank said Wednesday.
The gear is all marked with a No. 430 patch, and it also bears the No. 430 mark in magic marker on the inside.