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- ,.,~.. Heather Worthington -Thefts Stir New Fears Potential For Use B Terrorists Seen ~ , ~ ~ Page 2 - - Police in Coventry said Thursday that they were investigating a burglary reported at the North Coventry main firehouse, in which several items were taken. Police said the break-in was similar to ones that have been reported in several other communities this week. Fire departments statewide have been instructed by state police and the state Public Safety Department's Division of Homeland Security to make sure to secure their firehouses and equipment, and to lock doors when going out to a call. "We're not trying to push any panic buttons," said Sgt. J. Paul Vance, a state police spokesman. "The investigations are moving forward. One of our biggest issues was to make firefighters aware of what had happened." The thefts prompted state police in Colchester and Westbrook to create a task force of resident state troopers and firefighters to investigate. It is not uncommon for departments in urban settings to have items stolen, but it is less common in rural departments. "In a rural area, you go to a fire and leave the bay door open and don't expect anyone to walk off with the TV," said Jeff Morrissette, the state's fire administrator. Departments are now taking stronger measures to protect their equipment, Morrissette said. "It is a potential scenario," Morrissette said of someone stealing equipment in order to blend in with firefighters. "If it's awide-open scene like New York on 9/11, in the early minutes of the incident, it would be easy for someone to encroach on a scene." For now, fire officials such as Chaney and Morrissette said they will have to keep a closer watch as they arrive at a fire, looking for things that don't make sense, like a firefighter wearing a coat from a department that would not ordinarily respond. "I know what departments would be responding and a lot of gear has town names on it," Chaney said. "We're teaching ourselves to be aware." Anyone with any information about the equipment thefts is asked to call state police in Colchester at 860-537-7500. Courant Staff Writer Larry Smith contributed to this story. Copyright 2003, Hartford Courant Bill Hughes, Planning and Operations Officer Ramsey County Emergency Management Services 3383 North Rice Street Shoreview, MN 55126 Office (651) 482-5238 Fax (651) 482-5232 Pager (952) 365-5302 E-mail: william.hughes@co.ramsey.mn.us http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/es