By Matthew Adkins
Times-Herald
VALLEJO, Calif. — Vallejo firefighters staying overnight at Station 24 were in for a rude awakening last week after an unknown gunman fired a bullet into their building.
The damage was discovered Tuesday morning, Dec. 6, at 1005 Oakwood Ave., leading investigators to believe the shot occurred either while firefighters slept in the back dorm area or while they were out on emergency calls.
The bullet pierced the station’s front glass window and entered into the room where paramedics and engineers usually write their daily reports, explained Vallejo Fire Department Public Information Officer Kevin Brown.
Fortunately, no one was using the room at the time of the shooting and the bullet only struck a box of medical gloves.
“We are all aware of the many dangers we face while on emergency calls such as structure fires and vehicle accidents on the freeway,” Brown wrote. “But, we would like to believe that being safe in our fire houses is a reasonable expectation. We work 48-hour shifts, meaning for two days at a time we eat here, sleep here and train here.”
Brown continued, saying that this incident was not the first time Vallejo fire stations have been targeted.
Station 24’s apparatus bay door was struck by gunfire once before, Brown said. The station was also burglarized earlier in 2016 while crews were out on an emergency call.
After Donald Trump’s victory in the 2016 election, Station 24 was the target of vandals who sprayed “F--- Trump” on the garage door. Firefighters quickly cleaned up the message within minutes of discovery.
Station 25 at 595 Mini Dr. was previously shot at on two occasions, with the most recent shooting happening in 2011.
Several years ago, burglars also struck Station 21 at 1220 Marin St., Brown explained.
“We do not believe (last week’s shooting) will cause any delay to our response times; however it certainly is a safety issue for us,” Brown said. “Starting Thursday morning, our union officials, IAFF Local 1186, will begin discussing ways in which we can improve our safety in the firehouses.”
As the investigation into the shooting was still open as of Wednesday afternoon, anyone with information on the crime is asked to contact the Vallejo Police Department at 707-648-4321.
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