Contact: David Douglas
Phone: (336) 430-6030

Report of Firefighter Imposter

GREENSBORO -- (September 19, 2007) -- The Greensboro Fire Department has received information from a resident in the Hamilton Forest neighborhood of Greensboro of a male subject impersonating a firefighter. According to the resident, the subject presented himself as a firefighter, displayed a badge and offered to check her furnace. It is not known if the imposter was wearing any type of uniform.

It is not the policy of the Greensboro Fire Department to conduct furnace inspections in any type occupancy, and we do not conduct inspections of one and two-family occupancies. In cases where our firefighters may be doing a neighborhood canvas for smoke detectors, there will be a minimum of three uniformed personnel and a fire truck will be located close by. Additionally, some neighborhoods may receive a prerecorded courtesy call from the Fire Department stating when and why we will be in your neighborhood.

Residents should be cautioned not to open their homes to anyone representing themselves as a firefighter unless:

• They have called and asked for a service from the Department and are expecting someone.
• The individual is wearing a uniform with an appropriate badge, nameplate and department patches and has a City issued identification card with their name and picture.
• If in doubt, call 373-2356 or call 911 after hours to check on the validity of the individual.

Residents who encounter a person posing as a firefighter are encouraged call 911 with an accurate description of the individual and if possible the vehicle they are operating.