Pennsylvania Teen Charged With Stealing Fire Truck

A former junior firefighter with the Strinestown Community Fire Department has been charged with stealing one of the department’s fire trucks and taking it for a joyride last Sunday.

The youth was observed on surveillance video using a stolen Ford Explorer to push in an overhead door to access the fire station. He then donned turnout gear and drove Rescue 26 out of the building.

Police reported the received reports of a fire truck driving erratically, and that Rescue 26 was eventually located after being stuck in a field in Hellam Township. A suspect wearing turnout gear was observed fleeing the scene.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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