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Pleasantville residents' tips help recover the 100-year-old fire department bell

Missing Pleasantville Fire Department bell found
Missing Pleasantville Fire Department bell found 00:22

PLEASANTVILLE, N.J. (CBS) -- The Pleasantville Fire Department can rest easy knowing their historic bell has been found and will soon be back hanging for all to see. 

The South Jersey fire department shared with CBS Philadelphia that the bell, that hung outside of their building for more than 100 years, was found Monday at a property in Pleasantville. 

Our bell has been found and returned. We want to thank the public who's tips and information helped us find our bell...

Posted by Pleasantville Fire Department on Tuesday, October 24, 2023

The bell was reported stolen on Tuesday, Oct. 17. However, the fire department said the bell was actually last seen on Oct. 13. 

CBS Philadelphia was told the bell was covered and was sitting on a pallet behind the building as the department was designing a memorial plaque for the front lawn.

Police said neighbors submitted tips to police after seeing someone moving the grand bell. 

On Monday, a search warrant was executed and parts of the beloved bell were recovered. 

Police arrested John Jordan II, 61 and charged him with theft, receiving stolen property and criminal mischief. Police also arrested Joseph Redd, 44 and charged him with receiving stolen property and criminal mischief.

Both suspects were released pending a court hearing.

Officials said the bell was lifted with a pallet jack and moved on a bell cart, similar to one used to carry luggage in a hotel. 

The bell was found damaged in three pieces and police believe it was being cut up for scrap purposes.

Pleasantville residents' tips help recover the 100-year-old fire department bell
Pleasantville Police Department

The fire department is working with a bell fabrication company to get it repaired. They said they plan to move forward with their original plant to showcase the bell and a monument outside of the department. 

The portion of the bell that was already removed was returned to the fire department, police said.

Pleasantville PD commend the public for their cooperation and tip submissions. 

If you have any more tips please contact Pleasantville PD by calling 911, 609 641-6100 or emailing supervisor@pleasantvillepd.org.

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