By Carol Robinson
Alabama Media Group
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service firefighters feel like sitting ducks.
In the past several days, nearly 20 vehicles have been burglarized when the firefighters are called upon to respond to a blaze. The break-ins have happened at five different fire stations — the most recent early today — and there’s no doubt they are being targeted.
“It’s a shame that people are targeting folks that are out to help them,’' said BFRS Lt. Don Baker, president of the Birmingham Firefighters’ Association. “It’s a concern. It puts extra pressure on firefighters, especially this time of year.”
Birmingham police today were called about 7 a.m. to Station 28 on Carson Road. They arrived to find one vehicle damaged by thieves. It is the fifth fire station hit since Sunday.
There were six or seven vehicles burglarized at Station 22 in Avondale, three vehicles burglarized at Station 25 on Wilson Road in Powderly, three vehicles burglarized at Station 18 on Dugan Avenue in Pratt City, and five vehicles burglarized at Station 27 on Huffman Road.
At the Pratt City fire station, the vehicles were in an 8-foot fence with a locked gate. Birmingham police spokesman Lt. Sean Edwards said officers are beefing up patrols at the city’s nearly 30 fire stations.
Baker said the thieves are breaking the vehicle windows to gain entry. The theory is that they are not opening the doors for fear of setting off an alarm.
Once inside, they rummage through the vehicle and its compartments and appear to be searching mainly for money and guns, Baker said. “It appears they have intimate knowledge of the operations of the fire department,’' Baker said.
Birmingham Fire and Rescue Chief Charles Gordon agreed. “It has to be someone familiar with the way we operate,’' Gordon said. “And there was no damage to the locks at Station 18. Who is going to climb over an 8-foot fence without knowing if they could get back out?”
Gordon said fingerprints have been taken and they are reviewing surveillance video. In the meantime, he said, he’s encouraging firefighters to be vigilant and secure their belongings as much as possible. Where there is room, firefighters are allowed to park their cars in the bay. Gordon said they are also looking at installing fences around the fire stations, and security cameras where fences aren’t feasible.
Baker said the Birmingham Firefighters Association is giving each victim $100 to help offset costs. A GoFundMe for one victim has been established, and reads: “While many of you see us as heroes or even public servants, here lately we have been sitting ducks. 18 cars broken into within 48 hours, when that tone goes out our main thought and goal is how can we help this individual we are running on, whether it’s to save their life or property, but I promise it’s not is my car going to be broken into while the lights are flashing, the sirens are wailing, and the horns a screaming. Well my brothers’ cars were broken into and it’s holiday time, while you’re thinking about what to buy your precious kid or significant other, we are replacing broke windows and such. I know this is a rough time of year to ask to give, but my brothers didn’t deserve this nor their families and I ask from the bottom of your heart to help!! Thanks God Bless and Happy Holidays!!!”
“It’s hurtful that you have people who come to work to serve the citizens and, as you know, don’t make a whole lot of money and then to have this happen,’' the fire chief said. “I would hope whoever is doing it would think about who they’re hurting.”
Copyright 2016 Alabama Media Group