Rural Missouri Fire Department Seeks Assistance Following Equipment Theft

WARSAW, Mo. (KY3) – A volunteer fire department in rural Missouri is reaching out for help after essential firefighting tools were stolen from one of their vehicles parked at a repair shop.

The Cross Timbers Volunteer Fire Department discovered last Tuesday that their field truck had been broken into while it was being serviced at a mechanic’s location in the 900 block of Warsaw.

“They reported that they smashed the quarter panel and made off with two backpack blowers and a chainsaw,” stated Chief Barry White Jr.

The missing items included Stihl blowers and a chainsaw, which Chief White noted are vital for the department’s operations. The Cross Timbers Volunteer Fire Department operates in both Hickory and Benton counties, with the affected vehicle belonging to Station Number Two in Benton County.

“This theft has really put us in a tough spot. Those backpack blowers and the chainsaw are essential to our work. We depend on them daily,” White explained.

Since the communication with KY3, a leaf blower and the chainsaw have been recovered, yet the second blower remains unaccounted for and the truck still has a broken window.

“Even though our truck was at the shop for repairs, it was nearly ready to be back in operation. Now, this incident delays our service even further,” White remarked.

White emphasized that the repercussions of the theft extend beyond just the fire department. “When individuals steal from fire or police departments and other first responders, they are not only hurting us; they are negatively impacting the entire community,” he stated.

Anyone with any leads regarding this crime is encouraged to contact the Warsaw Police Department at 660-438-9555.

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