GREENSBURG, Ind. – A former New Point volunteer firefighter was arrested after police say he took fire department equipment, charged gas to the department’s account and stole from residents.
41-year-old Tracey S. Cook was booked into the Decatur County Jail and charged with two counts of burglary and five counts of theft. The charges are the result of three different cases and are all classified as felonies.
Investigators were contacted in September by another New Point Volunteer firefighter who reported the department’s chainsaw was missing for approximately a year. The person also informed police that around 500 dollars of gasoline had been charged to the fire department without authorization.
According to the Greensburg Daily News, police were told that Cook never returned a fire helmet and a radio after he “had been relieved of his duties.”
The investigation led police to discovering the fire helmet at a Greensburg pawn shop and tickets showing a chainsaw matching the description of New Point Volunteer Fire Department’s had previously been sold, the newspaper reports.
Cook allegedly attempted to pawn a radio but pawn shop staff did not accept it.
While incarcerated on other charges in September, Cook reportedly told detectives that he did not receive permission to pawn items belonging to the fire department, but admitted to some gas charges. The newspaper reports that Cook allegedly denied some of the fuel charges saying he had permission.
In a separate case, investigators allege Cook stole two grinders and a drill set from a residence in the 7300 block of East Base Road in Greensburg. Police believe he pawned those items off at the shop.
Cook is facing burglary and theft allegations related to a case dating back to the spring. Police believe Cook stole a chainsaw and cordless drill from an unlocked garage. Cook allegedly admitted to taking the chainsaw and the drill that were reported missing.
