N.C. Fire Dept. Loses Rescue Equipment in Burglary
Source Sun Journal, New Bern, N.C.
March 26--The usually calm New Bern Fire Chief Bobby Aster was livid Monday when he reported that three of his storage trailers were broken into over the weekend with thousands of dollars of equipment stolen.
"We can't do technical rescue and that puts the public at risk," Aster said.
Technical rescue includes shoring up structures to rescue people, and walls cannot be breached without tools.
Aster said jackhammers, circular saws, compound miter saws, generators, nail guns, an air compressor, drills, floodlights and tools were stolen. The trailer that houses decontamination materials was also burglarized. The equipment and material is used to decontaminate fire personnel and civilians involved in a hazardous material spill.
Wheel chocks were also stolen from the trailers.
The only good thing about the theft is that all the equipment has recorded serial numbers. The tools are also painted blue and red.
"We want the public to be on the alert for this equipment. Someone knows something; this equipment is heavy and it took more than one person to steal the items," Aster said.
He said the diesel-powered generator weighs several hundred pounds.
Aster now has to find out what tools are insured. The tools and equipment were discovered missing Saturday afternoon.
Aster said the city is preparing a fence to place around the area where the trailers park.
"With these budget times it is difficult to buy equipment right away," Aster said.
He said anyone who knows about the incident should call New Bern police at 252-672-4100 or Craven County Crime Stoppers at 252-633-5141.
Francine Sawyer can be reached at 252-635-5671 or at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @francinersawyer.
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Copyright 2012 - Sun Journal, New Bern, N.C.
