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Saws Stolen From Detroit Fire Truck As Crews Battle Blaze

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Detroit firefighters say two saws they use while responding to emergencies have been stolen from a truck while crews battled a blaze.

The theft took place early Sunday as firefighters were working on Dundee Street near Grand River Avenue. Jeremy Mullins, a 14-year veteran firefighter, told the Detroit Free Press there had been 10 fires within three days in a three-block area where crews were working.

"We parked the rig and fought the fire. When we came back and opened the compartment, they were gone," he said. "It was easy pickings."

Mullins said the thieves made off with a chainsaw and a large K-14 saw. Both are important tools for firefighters, he said, and cost about $2,000 each.

"It's very frustrating. I've put in a lot of effort to get things like that for my firehouse and other firehouses to make sure they have what they need," he told the newspaper. "To have them stolen, it's a slap in the face."

Mullins said he used money the firefighters had saved for firehouse repairs to replace the stolen chainsaw. Donations are being accepted for the other. Click here for more information.

Mullins said it's the second time in about two years Ladder Company 22 had saws stolen. He said the National Firefighters Endowment offered to buy the firehouse new saws after the earlier theft, which happened as firefighters were getting food from a nearby restaurant.

TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

 

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