Fire truck stolen, vandalism at East County firehouse

Cape Girardeau County deputies are investigating a burglary, theft, and vandalism incident that occurred early this morning at the East County Fire Protection District station north of the Cape Girardeau city limits, said fire chief Dwayne Kirchhoff.

One of the three fire trucks housed in that station was taken, but found Saturday morning when Cape Girardeau police received a report it was parked in the 1400 block of Hanover Street, Kirchhoff said.

Kirchhoff said he received a call from the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department letting him know the truck had been found.

When he arrived at the fire station, he discovered the metal wall of the station had been pried open, leaving a hole big enough for someone to enter. A small pick up truck sat in the parking lot, and a check of the license plates revealed they belonged on another vehicle, Kirchhoff said.

What appeared to blood was smeared on the door handles and side of the truck, and there was blood found inside the fire station, he said.

Two radios were found missing, as well as an air pack, an ax, two masks, and a walkie talkie, Kirchhoff said.

Kirchhoff said he didn't examine the station too closely because he didn't want to disturb the scene before officers can process all the evidence.

Because of mutual aid agreements with all other county fire departments, Kirchhoff said the incident will not affect service.

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