Stolen Radio Equipment from Oakdale Fire Chief
Approximately $10,000 worth of radio equipment was taken from the assistant fire chief of the Oakdale Hose Company over the weekend.
The Oakdale Hose Company reported on Facebook that two radios were stolen from the assistant chief’s truck just before 2:30 a.m. on Sunday.
Tim Stalling, who lives nearby, noticed a man outside his window around that time. “I saw a gentleman over at the house across the street going into a car,” he recounted. “Then he started zigzagging over to my neighbor’s house,” he added.
Stalling then saw the man approach the assistant fire chief’s truck and open the door. “You feel violated seeing someone going into other people’s vehicles,” Stalling remarked.
The fire department stated that a Motorola APX 8000 and a Motorola APX 6000 radio were stolen; both resemble walkie-talkies. An Oakdale police officer pursued the suspect on foot but was unable to apprehend him.
Local business owner Mark Snatchko expressed concern, noting, “Theft is unfortunate, especially in a small town where we don’t expect it.” He emphasized the importance of having such equipment, as these radios facilitate communication with Allegheny and Washington counties.
The theft is particularly troubling for the fire department, which operates on a limited budget of $35,000 annually from the borough for truck expenses, while total operational costs near $100,000. The chief plans to seek approval from members to offer a reward for the return of the stolen equipment or information leading to the thief’s arrest.
