For the second time in just under a month, the Lebanon Fire District has been the target of thieves.
On or around Sunday, June 18, a 2002 White Ford Ranger, owned by Benton County Shops, was stolen from the Station 31 parking lot.
Benton County Shops provides vehicle repair and maintenance services for LFD, and the missing truck was used to assist in shuttling apparatus and personnel back and forth between the Lebanon Fire Station at 1050 W. Oak St. and the shop in Corvallis
“It is exceptionally frustrating to have to deal with these thefts on top of our already high emergency response load,” said Lebanon Fire Chief Joseph Rodondi in a statement.
“When we have to divert resources to replenishing stolen tools, adjusting apparatus repair schedules, and enhancing security, ultimately, we are taking away from our ability to serve the citizens of our District. These thefts have a ripple effect that extends much further out than just the loss of goods or vehicles.”
After stealing the Ford Ranger, the suspects are believed to have attempted to use the fuel card onboard to purchase fuel on June 18 in Sweet Home, Brownsville and Coburg between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at various fuel stations.
The license plate on the missing truck, a white, 2002 Ford Ranger, is E227387. Anyone with information regarding this theft is urged to contact Sgt. Miner at Lebanon Police Department by calling (541) 451-1751, option *0, and referencing case number 2023-7417.
LFD suffered another theft in late May when, on May 29, it discovered a break-in at Station 33 at 30570 Fairview Road. Thieves had cut through a newly installed security fence on the back of the property before cutting locks on the Lebanon Fire Investigation Team trailer.
Once they had made access to the LFIT trailer, the thieves stole several thousand dollars worth of investigation tools, lights, and cameras, as well as damaging the trailer to make entry.
“Thefts such as these are extremely frustrating,” says Fire Marshal Ken Foster, “because they affect our ability to serve our community to the high standard that is expected. We investigate the causes of fires to assist residents in insurance claims, assist law enforcement if arson is suspected, and to identify possible safety concerns. Having to replace all our investigation equipment may delay any pending or future fire investigations and has a direct effect on our community.”
Anyone with information related to these thefts is encouraged to contact the Linn County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 967- 950 and reference case number 23-02101.
