Crime & Safety

Central Alarmers Try to Recoup Lost Down Payment

The volunteers say the loss sets the group back two years.

A group of volunteers serving police and firefighters are struggling to recover from the loss of their $52,000 down payment on a new kitchen truck.

ABC2 reports the Fullerton-based Central Alarmers, which provides food and beverages from its truck to police and firefighters, paid its down payment to the Pennsylvania-based Krammes Kustom Body, which now tells volunteers it can't complete the job or provide a refund.

A lawyer for the volunteers is looking into taking action, but options could be limited. The lawyer said there are no assets for the volunteers to go after, according to the report, which notes the phone lines at the body shop are disconnected.

Find out what's happening in Bel Airwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The group responds to fire scenes in both Baltimore and Harford counties.

Volunteers told ABC2 the $52,000 loss sets the group back two years.

Find out what's happening in Bel Airwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The group had received grants from local businesses, including a $10,000 donation from Baltimore Gas and Electric in January.

As Patch reported last July, the new truck will cost around $190,000. A fire department spokeswoman said the volunteers perform an "invaluable" service.

"We have two rehab companies for our emergency services and they perform an essential service. When there's an extended call, any hour day or night, they're on hand to provide water, food, sunscreen—a warm place in the cold, or air conditioning in the summer," said spokeswoman Elise Armacost. "Sometimes our first responders can be out there for hours and it's essential to be able to eat and drink so you can keep going."

Nick Gestido contributed to this report.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.