News brief: Lewis County search and rescue vehicles plundered

By Sharyn  L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

Portable radios, a generator and other items used for search and rescue operations are missing after a break-in to the sheriff’s office command post trailer where they were stored in Packwood.

The theft, discovered yesterday morning, amounts to an estimated $9,000 loss, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

Search and rescue volunteers were preparing to train yesterday when they found somebody had forced their way inside two search and rescue vehicles parked at the former Hampton Mill in Packwood, according to Chief Criminal Deputy Gene Seiber.

Taken were outdoor lights, a GPS unit, a Honda generator and 18 Motorola portable radios. The radios are models CP200 and HT440, according to the Seiber.

“That’s the county supply we issue (for missions),” Seiber said of the radios. He thought he might have six remaining.

Seiber said the radios cost $600 to $1,000 each.

Those responsible tried to force their way into several other vehicles but weren’t successful, according to the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Steve Mansfield is hoping the equipment can be found.

“This is a great loss for our search and rescue program, and I can only imagine the type of person(s) who would steal something that is so essential to saving lives,” Mansfield stated in a news release. “I feel confident that someone who knows something about this will step forward and provide information that will lead to the recovery of the stolen items.”

Lewis County Crime Stoppers is offering g a reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible and the recovery of the stolen items. Crime Stoppers can be reached at 1-800-748-6422.

Anyone with information can also contact Seiber at 360-740-1341.

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