LAWRENCE COUNTY, Oh (WSAZ) -- It's no surprise these days when you hear about criminals taking a catalytic converter or stealing copper pipes, but recently two thieves stole a fire truck, burned it and sold the parts for scrap.

Those who volunteer their time to protect their communities are fed up and want extra measures taken.

Gene Cox says he couldn't believe it when the Decatur Township Volunteer Fire Department's water tank truck was stolen.

Sheriff's deputies found the burned out fire truck at a scrap yard in Waverly, Ohio and charged Jeremy Basham and Courtney Fisher with the crime.

Cox says that's not the first time his department has been targeted.

“They probably got 15 dollars worth of scrap and it cost us 142 dollars each time to replace,” Cox said.

Recently someone took off with copper lids to the septic tanks at the department.

Chief Cox has gotten several signatures on a petition he plans to give to the prosecutor and sheriff with hopes they can crack down harder on criminals who target fire departments.

Thomas Cox says townships need to have constables on duty to help enforce the law.

They are crimes these men say are hurting the communities they serve.

The nearby Elizabeth Township fire department also got hit by thieves. They stole 200 gallons of diesel fuel.

Both Jeremy Basham and Courtney Fisher are out on bond for the fire truck theft. Their preliminary hearings are set for next month in Lawrence County.