OCSD investigating weekend burglary, theft at Lick Creek VFD


The damage includes replacing a window in the firehouse kitchen. Law enforcement officers investigating the crash believe the intruder entered through the kitchen, which is on the back side of the building. Blood found on the broken glass was taken as evidence.

Lick Creek Volunteer Fire Department chief Jerry Rowlett and wife June are working to submit paperwork to the VFD’s insurance company for the more than $1,000 worth of damage the firehouse sustained during a break-in over the weekend.

The Lick Creek Volunteer Fire Depart-ment on J Highway was burglarized over the weekend, and several items were stolen. 

Lick Creek VFD chief Jerry Rowlett and his wife June told the Times that June arrived at the firehouse Sunday morning to pick up certificates for their firefighters and saw that the kitchen window, located in the rear of the building, had been broken. An office door was also kicked in, and several things were scattered around the interior of the building. Missing items include gasoline, a chainsaw and case, a gear bag, first aid supplies, a helmet, tools and mats. 

A local contractor estimated the damage to the firehouse at $1,050. 

Jerry Rowlett said he was at the firehouse Friday night, so the break-in must have occurred sometime between Friday evening, Feb. 14, when Jerry was there, and Sunday morning, Feb. 16, when June arrived. 

The Rowletts believe the intruder may have burglarized the firehouse Saturday afternoon because when they checked the White River Valley Electric Cooperative’s app, they noticed a sharp uptick in the amount of electricity that was recorded as being used at the building Saturday around noon, perhaps indicating when the window was broken and lights turned on.

Jerry said he’s started the repairs, and June has filed the paperwork with the insurance company. 

The fire department is also investing in surveillance cameras to be installed around the firehouse. 

Ozark County Sheriff Darrin Reed told the Times that the case is currently being investigated. Anyone with information relating to the burglary, is asked to call the Ozark County Sheriff’s Department at 417-679-4633.

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423