By Laura French
MEMPHIS — A string of thefts at fire station parking lots in Memphis has prompted fire officials to install security cameras in the hopes of deterring further crimes.
Memphis Fire Fighters Association Local 1784 said in a Facebook post last Wednesday that firefighters’ personal vehicles were broken into two nights in a row at two different city fire stations, and on Friday it was reported that a firefighter’s SUV was stolen from a station parking lot.
“Those who protect the citizens fall victim to senseless crimes. It’s unfortunate that criminals prey on the very people who will turn around and risk it all to save their life if called upon,” the union wrote in its Wednesday Facebook post.
Local 1784 President Thomas Malone told WREG this week that the fire department is planning to install cameras at 10 stations to hopefully deter more thefts or gain more information about those who are stealing from firefighters.
Malone said Station #55, where one of last week’s burglaries took place, will be a priority, as it has been targeted multiple times over the past year.
Not all of Memphis’ fire stations have fences around their parking lots, which is another security concern Malone said he hopes will be addressed.