By FireRescue1 Staff
SAN FRANCISCO — A San Francisco firefighter is under investigation after allegedly stealing dozens of brass fittings and fire hoses that were left behind at fire scenes.
Mitchell Lee, 51, told police he bought the equipment at flea markets or picked up items that were left at scenes, reported NBC Bay Area.
A fire captain spotted the department-issued hose and fittings April 14 when a fire broke outside Lee’s business. Police seized 25 hoses and dozens of brass fittings after obtaining a search warrant.
Although Lee said he neglected to return the equipment, none of the items had been reported stolen. A fire official told investigators it’s not uncommon for crews to take equipment that belongs to other stations and return it.
Lee faces potential termination as prosecutors are still considering filing criminal charges. A department supervisor also faces administrative discipline for failing to account for all the missing equipment.