A gesture following a fire in a Washington town proved to be an enlightening experience for more than just the home owner.
When College Place Fire Chief Patrick Shipp turned the power back on, he spotted the snowboard that had been stolen from his vehicle a few months ago.
"I recognized it right away," the chief said Monday. "I couldn't believe it. There it was."
Shipp said his department responded to the house for a fire found to have been caused by burning ashes that had been placed in a cardboard box. The box ignited a bird cage, and the blaze spread up an exterior wall, causing about $2,000 damage.
"I was consoling her, telling her I was sorry that she lost three doves. I explained she would have to come down to the fire department to get a report for insurance."
Shipp said he then offered to turn the power back on, and was directed to the garage. When he flipped the switch, the first thing he noticed was his black snowboard with its unique sunset and smiley face paintings. His homemade strap was still attached.
Since crews were still mopping up and wrapping up hoses, Shipp said he waited before telling the homeowner that the board was his. "I didn't know what would happen, so I waited for them to leave."
The woman told the fire chief that they also had been the victims of a theft, and that when her son discovered the people responsible, he took things from them. Other items were seized from the garage, and the College Place Police are handling the investigation.
The chief said he's optimistic that he'll also get his ski boots back too.
"In my 17 years I thought I'd heard and seen everything," the chief said with a laugh. "Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to find my snowboard in that garage."
