Fox23.com
SEQUOYAH COUNTY, Okla. — As wildfires burn in other parts of the state we’re reminded how important the contributions of volunteer firefighters are. But volunteers in Sequoyah County will have a hard time doing parts of their job now thanks to burglars.
“This is a huge blow to us because of our limited funding,” said Jackie Fritts. She’s a volunteer paramedic and firefighter at the West Tenkiller Station. The station covers a territory that spans three counties. They’re strictly funded by a small sales tax and membership fees.
This weekend burglars stole $4,500 worth of rescue equipment. This includes a chainsaw, two sawzalls, two other saws used to cut through metal roofs and tools to help pry open doors. “It’s going to take us some time to replace it. Because we don’t have the funding for us to just go out and buy new equipment,” said Assistant Fire Chief Keith Rowe.
Full story: Thieves burglarize rural volunteer fire department