Collaboration between emergency services proved invaluable when Chelsea Fire assisted Chelsea Police in capturing two suspects accused of vehicle theft on Friday, Jan. 2.
Acting Fire Capt. Joe Conlon monitored an EMS radio transmission in which a Chelsea Police officer reported discovering a stolen car near Cary Avenue. The officer indicated the vehicle was traveling toward Broadway but was uncertain whether it would proceed north or south on that street.
Engine 3 was heading back to the station at that moment, and Conlon had already raised the overhead door while activating the traffic light to allow the engine to back inside.
That’s when Conlon noticed the allegedly stolen vehicle pull up to the light.
The car sat waiting as Engine 3 completed its maneuver.
Thinking quickly, Conlon instructed Engine 3 to remain positioned in the roadway to obstruct traffic and prevent the vehicle from escaping.
Conlon then radioed dispatch to alert police that the suspect vehicle was now stopped directly in front of the station and blocked by the fire engine.
Officers arrived promptly and apprehended both occupants at gunpoint.
It’s a reminder that firefighting extends well beyond extinguishing flames.