Guns stolen from fire chief's office

Ansonia, Conn. (WTNH) - Two firearms were stolen from Ansonia Fire Chief Ron Burgess' office this week.

The burglary was discovered Tuesday morning. Other workers at the Public Works complex noticed that the door to the chief's office was open when they reported to work. Police say the burglar gained entry by forcing a door open on the south side of the building.

The guns stolen are described as a Smith & Wesson 9mm and a Smith & Wesson rifle. Also taken were an air pack, valued at about $5,000, six scanners with a total value of about $900, five sets of safety glasses and and five sets of earmuffs.

Anyone with information should call police at 203-735-1885.

Upon learning about the theft, Mayor Jim Della Volpe placed the chief on leave.

"I have never authorized the storage of firearms at any city building other than the police department out of concern for the public safety of our citizens," Della Volpe said in a written statement.