A fire engine theft in Everett, Washington, leaves authorities scrambling to pick up the pieces as questions about public safety loom larger than ever.
At a Glance
- A fire engine was stolen in Everett, Washington, while its crew responded to a medical emergency on July 18, 2025.
- The theft resulted in a four-mile rampage that damaged approximately 14 vehicles.
- The suspect, described as a 44-year-old transient, was later arrested after a manhunt.
- The incident has prompted an immediate review of security protocols for emergency vehicles.
An Audacious Theft Shakes a City
In an alarming incident that has captured national attention, a fire engine was stolen in Everett, Washington, while its crew was busy responding to a medical emergency. On Friday, July 18, a thief seized the opportunity to steal the 2018 Pierce Enforcer Pumper, a critical piece of the city’s emergency response equipment. What followed was a chaotic, four-mile rampage through city streets, where the driver of the stolen truck struck and damaged an estimated **14 vehicles before abandoning the engine**. The bizarre and dangerous crime has underscored a glaring vulnerability in emergency vehicle security.
A Coordinated Response and Capture
The immediate aftermath was a logistical nightmare for local authorities. The Everett Police Department, led by Chief John DeRousse, launched an intensive manhunt for the suspect, which initially included a K-9 search. The suspect, identified as a 44-year-old transient man, was located and arrested the following day.
In the wake of the incident, Everett Fire Chief Dave DeMarco has focused on the urgent need to review and strengthen existing procedures. The community’s trust in its emergency services has been shaken, and officials are under pressure to implement immediate reforms to reassure residents that such a shocking breach of security will not happen again.
A Wake-Up Call for Emergency Services
In the short term, the Everett Fire Department faces an operational setback with a vital piece of equipment out of commission due to extensive damage. But the long-term implications are far more significant. This audacious theft has served as a wake-up call, not just for Everett, but for fire departments nationwide. The incident will likely prompt widespread changes in protocols, potentially including the adoption of advanced anti-theft technologies for emergency fleets. As investigations continue, the central question remains: how can we better safeguard the very infrastructure designed to protect us?