Theft of Brass Rings Damages Chicago Hydrants

Oct. 27-- Call it a sign of the economic times: between 70 and 100 brass rings were stolen from fire hydrants in August and September.

Firefighters and water management officials said Thursday that the spate of thefts could have led to loss of lives, but precautions have been taken to make that far less likely.

Thieves can sell the solid-brass rings for about $20 apiece, Barrett Murphy, first deputy commissioner of the Water Management Department, told aldermen at a hearing on the issue.

The cast-iron caps that also are stolen get a mere 40 cents, he added. Those thefts could hamper firefighting, he said.

"Yes, we can still function," said Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner John McNicholas, explaining that firefighters can go to the next hydrant or call in special trucks. "Yes, we are delayed. But yes, it endangers lives and it could cause injuries."

To address the issue, Water Management officials now use more lead to secure the ring so they are far harder to pry from hydrants.

And each fire truck in the city carries two spare rings -- enough to outfit one hydrant in seconds to fight a fire.

There have been few, if any, reports of thefts this month, McNicholas said.

Ald. Robert Fioretti, 2nd, said the city should look into stiffening penalties for people caught stealing the rings.

"It's not just simple damage," he said. "It's health, safety and welfare."

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