Message from Grand Island FD

GRAND ISLAND FIRE CHIEF GREG BUTCHER REPORTS THAT ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16TH, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT UNKNOWN PERSON(S) STOLE A PORTABLE GENERATOR FROM THE GIFCo RADIO TRANSMISSION SITE. THIS GENERATOR WAS SET UP TO PROVIDE BACKUP IN THE EVENT OF A POWER OUTAGE SO THAT THERE WOULD BE NO INTERRUPTION IN DISPATCHING OF FIRE AND EMS EMERGENCIES. THE THIEVERY OF THIS CRITICAL PIECE OF EQUIPMENT HAS NOW FORCED THE GIFCo TO IMPLEMENT A SPECIAL CONTINGENCY PLAN, PENDING REPLACEMENT EFFORTS, SO THAT COMMUNITY PROTECTION IS NOT COMPROMISED.

ASST. CHIEF CHRIS SOLURI IDENTIFIED THE STOLEN ITEM AS A 7000 WATT BRIGGS & STRATTON PROPANE GENERATOR, TAN IN COLOR, MODEL # CHGEN 7000, SERIAL # 1010562448. HE NOTED THAT THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF THIS ITEM AMOUNTED TO $6,200. ALTHOUGH EXACT REPLACEMENT COSTS HAVE YET TO BE DETERMINED, FUNDS WILL HAVE TO BE DIVERTED FROM OTHER IMPORTANT BUDGETARY NEEDS. THIS ADDITIONAL BURDEN WILL NOT ONLY BE BORNE BY THE GIFCo BUT ULTIMATELY BY GRAND ISLAND RESIDENTS. ANYONE WHO HAS INFORMATION REGARDING THIS CRIMINAL ACT IS URGED TO CONTACT THE ERIE COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPT. @ 667-5200, WHICH IS CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING THIS SERIOUS MATTER.

RAY PAULEY
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER