Everett, Washington, finds itself reeling after a reckless thief hijacked a fire engine, unleashing chaos through the town and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
A Night of Chaos in Everett
On the night of July 18, 2025, while Everett firefighters were heroically responding to a medical emergency, an opportunistic thief seized the moment to steal a critical piece of equipment: a fire engine. The unattended vehicle, left momentarily as the crew assisted a call on Hoyt Avenue, became the tool for a night of mayhem. As the thief sped off in the 2018 Pierce Enforcer pumper truck, the peaceful residential streets of Everett transformed into a scene of chaos, with the fire engine colliding with at least 14–16 parked vehicles, flattening landscaping, and toppling street signs.
Residents of northern Everett awoke to find their neighborhood resembling a disaster zone. The rampage did not just damage personal property; it shook the community’s sense of safety and exposed glaring holes in emergency response security protocols. The fire engine, valued at up to a million dollars, lies inoperable, a significant blow to the Everett Fire Department’s operational capacity and the city’s emergency preparedness.
The Hunt for the Perpetrator
Despite swift police response, including a perimeter setup and K9 units, the suspect managed to abandon the vehicle and evade capture, leaving authorities and citizens alike on edge. As of July 21, the thief remains at large, with Police Chief John DeRousse urging the community to assist with any information that might lead to an arrest. Residents are understandably concerned about the implications of such a brazen act, questioning how a vital emergency vehicle could be left vulnerable.
Authorities are searching for the suspect who allegedly stole a 35,000-pound fire engine in Everett, Washington, and went on a rampage, crashing into more than a dozen parked vehicles before abandoning the emergency rig and fleeing on foot.
Read more: https://t.co/wHXvEDPR0a pic.twitter.com/UqdiFs5lcN
— ABC News (@ABC) July 20, 2025
Both the Everett Fire Department and the Police Department have expressed the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing their commitment to both finding the suspect and preventing future incidents. Fire Chief Dave DeMarco has already announced a review of current policies to enhance the security of emergency vehicles, a move that could lead to significant procedural changes that might resonate across the nation.
The Broader Impact on Everett and Beyond
In the immediate aftermath, the community grapples with more than just physical damage. The disruption in emergency response capabilities highlights a critical vulnerability that cannot be ignored. While no injuries were reported, the financial and emotional toll is undeniable. Residents face the daunting task of dealing with insurance claims, property repairs, and the lingering fear that such an event could happen again.
For the Everett Fire Department, the loss of a fire engine not only impacts current operations but also shakes public confidence. The incident underscores the necessity for robust security measures and may serve as a wake-up call for fire departments across the country. It’s a stark reminder that even in moments of crisis, the security of emergency assets must remain a priority to ensure the safety and trust of the communities they serve.
A Call for Vigilance and Accountability
As Everett continues to recover, the incident serves as a powerful call to action for city officials, emergency services, and the community at large. The theft of the fire engine is not just a crime against property but an attack on the very systems designed to protect and serve the public. The need for vigilance, accountability, and improved security protocols is more pressing than ever.
At least eight vehicles were heavily damaged after someone stole an @EverettFire Truck from a medic call and drove around north #Everett crashing into things before abandoning it in the street. https://t.co/u9l3rLk2Dg pic.twitter.com/3Lc0mAiQOM
— SeenInEverett (@seenineverett) July 19, 2025
While the investigation continues and the city rebuilds, the lessons learned from this ordeal are clear. Protecting essential services and ensuring the safety of public assets must remain at the forefront of community planning. As Everett looks to the future, the hope is that the measures taken today will prevent similar incidents and restore faith in the systems meant to safeguard the community.