A group of biker-clad area firefighters, many of them retired, stepped up once more to serve their community after thieves stole more than $1,000 from a local youth organization.
The Axemen Professional Firefighters MC Ohio Chapter 1 — comprised of current and former union firefighters who also ride motorcycles — presented a $2,000 check Thursday to Lucas County Children Services at Franklin Park Mall.
Last month two people entered the mall after closing time and stole coins from the organization's fountain near the Dillard's wing of the mall. Don Klein, an Axemen member, saw the story in The Blade and wanted to help.
"A lot of our money comes from a golf tournament," Mr. Klein said. "I called the guys up and I said, 'Do you mind if we give to this?' The executive board all said it was fine, and we wanted to give to the kids."
Julie Malkin, Lucas County Children Services community relations director, said the money from the fountain supports Friends of Lucas County Children Services, a nonprofit auxiliary of the organization.
She expressed her gratitude for the firefighters who stepped in to replace the stolen money — and then some.
"These gentlemen served their communities in a professional capacity as firefighters," Ms. Malkin said. "It shows they served their community and then, after they retired, they continue to serve their community with their hearts. They know they can make a difference by a gesture like this."
The money from the fountain funds a variety of causes, including purchasing Christmas presents for children, the upcoming holiday party for families, high school graduation parties and gifts, and school supplies.
The Axemen began 21 years ago in Detroit. Chapters span the entire country, from Washington state to New York City.
Mr. Klein said the Toledo chapter also will donate to the Make a Wish Foundation later this month.
"That's what it's all about," Mr. Klein said. "We can have our fun, ride our motorcycles, and have a good time. And if we can help somebody by doing that, it's great."
Surveillance footage shown to an officer indicates the first theft occurred Sept. 22. The first thief is seen entering the closed mall just after 11 p.m. from the south entrance, then walking to the north entrance to let the second thief inside.
Both were observed using a windshield squeegee to scrape coins to the edge of the fountain and load them into a backpack and bag. They returned two days later just after midnight.
Toledo Police spokesman Lt. Kevan Toney said Thursday no arrests have been made.
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