NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — For months, Nashville firefighters have been the victims of auto burglaries that occurred at more than a dozen fire halls.
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), 62 vehicles belonging to firefighters were broken into in 2024. Officials added the vehicles were parked at fire halls and the crimes would often happen while the firefighters were out on a call.
In majority of the cases, police said the suspects broke in and took nothing. However, the police department reported at least five guns and ammunition were stolen in some incidents, adding that four vehicles belonging to firefighters were also taken.
In fact, multiple fire halls in the Metro area were hit again this past weekend. On Monday morning, News 2 found broken glass at Fire Station 3 in East Nashville, evidence of a crime at Station 9 near downtown and fresh damage at Fire Station 33 in Antioch.
Authorities said they believe the suspects, who are mostly teens, are looking for cash and weapons.
“In response, the MNPD has moved mobile sky cops onto the properties of certain fire halls and has been keeping a watch on others,” MNPD spokesperson Don Aaron told News 2.
The latest incident is believed to have occurred at Fire Station 33 in Antioch. Aaron said the suspect was heavily masked and wearing a big winter coat.
News 2 reached out to the firefighter’s union about the crimes and efforts to position sky cops at more stations.
“Break-ins at our stations are deeply frustrating for our personnel who put their lives on the line every shift,” said Addis Kendall, Union President of the IAFF Local 140. “This new system will allow us to focus on serving our community, knowing that our safety and property are better protected while we’re on duty.”
Officials with the Nashville Fire Department (NFD) called the break-ins “unacceptable,” adding that they are taking proactive measures by working with police and other agencies.
“We continue to work with the mayor’s administration, Metro Nashville Council and general services on their efforts to install cameras at all of our NFD stations to better secure all of our facilities,” explained Joseph Pleasant, a spokesperson for the NFD.
District 10 Councilmember Jennifer Webb, whose son is a Nashville firefighter, sent News 2 a statement about the break-ins, which read in part:
Having a son (Jeffery Webb /Rescue 1) on the Fire Department , I have heard the frustrations first-hand concerning the break ins at the fire halls. After passing a resolution for funding cameras and the community partnership with Solaren on the use of LTR’s, hopefully this problem will get resolved.
Public safety is our top priority and these measures will help safeguard our firehalls and the essential work our firefighters do every day. This collaborative effort with the Mayors office, the Council and the union demonstrates our shared dedication to the safety of both our personnel and residents of Nashville.
The installation of new cameras, use of LTR’s and fences around certain firehall parking lots is expected to deter further break ins, providing a safer environment for first responders as they continue their critical work in protecting our community.
Jennifer Webb
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Jack Byrd, CEO of Solaren Risk Management, called the crime against first responders “despicable.” In fact, his company owns multiple mobile surveillance units. He added he plans on putting up as many as the units as he can spare to help catch the suspects and keep firefighters safe.
“It is bad, anyone’s vehicle being broken into. Anyone’s belonging being taken, but to me and to most, it is probably worse that people out here putting their lives on the line for us can’t even go to work without having their property stolen,” said Byrd.
NFD and the Union specifically thanked Byrd and his security for their efforts to help.
