(July 16, 2008)—Burglars have broken into the personal vehicles of firefighters at a North Waco stationhouse twice in less than a week while firefighters were responding to calls, and now fire and police officials are talking about ways to make stations more secure.
The most recent break-ins occurred around 6 a.m. Wednesday after firefighters at the station at the corner of North 15th Street and Herring Avenue responded to a report of a person choking.
When they returned to the station, they discovered the windows had been broken out of their personal vehicles.
"It angers me because we've got individuals in our department who are laying their lives on the line to serve and protect, and then they are taken advantage of by these people,” said Waco Fire Chief John Johnston.
The president of the Waco Professional Firefighters Association, Robby Bergerson, says there have been similar incidents in the past at other stations, where burglars either waited until firefighters were asleep or dispatched on calls.
Officials said Wednesday some steps have already been taken to improve security at the North Waco station and other security measures will be discussed.