The suspect, who allegedly swiped an iPod and car keys last week from Engine 22/Ladder 4 in Jersey City, apparently got away on a bicycle.
Firefighters, who were responding to a gas leak, say this isn't the first time their house has been burglarized.
"It's definitely not the best feeling in the world," Battalion Chief Steven McGill said. "You're at work, you think everything is going to be safe there."
In this case, they told police they were returning from the call when they saw a man on a bike pedal out of the firehouse and head north on Ocean Avenue. They then found the rear door of the firehouse unlocked, and one firefighter discovered his $300 iPod was gone. A second had his car keys removed.
"In very urban areas, houses get robbed," he said. "On occasion, unfortunately, firehouses also do get broken into."
McGill believes the thief was targeting tools, after firefighters found several saws placed near the back door. He believes the robbery would've been much worse had the trucks not returned when they did.
"As you're protecting the community, usually the community takes the initiative to help protect you, also," he said> "And when this happens, it's upsetting."
The suspect was reportedly wearing a red hooded sweatshirt. The city is planning to install deadbolts to help prevent future incidents.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Jersey City police tip line at (201) 547-JAIL.
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