The Cockeysville Volunteer Fire Company was the victim of a burglary that resulted in the theft of crucial rescue equipment valued at an estimated $50,000. The incident at the fire station located on York Road in Baltimore County occurred yesterday, while the facility was unoccupied. Daily Voice reported that the suspects forced their way into the building using a tool to pry open the bay door, according to Brian Ball, a representative for the fire company.
In an interview with WMAR-2 News, Ball expressed the sense of violation the volunteer team felt, stating, "You kinda feel violated, you know, somebody comes into your house, takes your stuff, takes away a little of the sense of security you have about your house." The stolen items include forcible entry tools such as Halligan bars, which are essential for search and rescue operations and have the potential to be misused for criminal activity. Ball emphasized the impact of the theft, noting that "The possibilities are endless for what you want to do with it." Due to the ongoing inventory of the stolen property, the financial toll is still being assessed, but replacing the tools won't be quickly achieved through fundraising alone.
Further details on the crime were scarce as the internal cameras failed to capture usable footage of the suspects. The fire company, as stated by Ball, plans to significantly strengthen its security in response to the incident. "I learned a lot yesterday after it happened to us," said Ball, according to WMAR-2 News. "I've heard of at least three other companies in Maryland that have been targeted and hit for basically the same type of stuff and a large company in Pennsylvania. I mean people are very brazen these days."
The Cockeysville Volunteer Fire Company will continue to respond to emergencies, but with limited equipment following a recent theft. Baltimore County Police are asking for the public’s help—if you have any information, call 410-887-4636.
