Burglars steal vital rescue equipment

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 589, 6 June 1995, Page 3

Burglars steal vital rescue equipment

For the second time in 12 months the fire station in Raetihi has been burgled. Equipment stolen includes spot lights, portable torches and head-set torches for breathing apparatus kits. The equipment is a vital part of the fire service's operation and is used in poor lighting and weather conditions for search and rescue and traffic accident call-outs. "All the members of the Raetihi Volunteer Fire Brigade are totally voluntary, it is an absolutely vital service to the community attending to house fires including chimney fires and motor vehicle accidents. We are out in all weathers assisting in search and rescue and attending to victims and coping with death, " said brigade member John Compton. "Until replacement equipment can be installed this situation can render the town and its people in a very insecure situation."

"Those who were involved in the burglary may want to think again about this and remember it could be you or your family who needs the service next." Fire brigade member David Griffin said there were bound to be people who knew who the burglars were, or who had heard or saw something at the time of the break-in, and that it was vitally important that these people either pass on the information to the police, or urge the offenders to return the equipment. Highlighting the impact of the burglary, the brigade was called out at 8am on Friday 2 June to an accident, where their efforts were operations were hindered by the loss of the equipment. Mr Compton said the fire service in Raetihi has been operating since 1912 and that it is on stand-by 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.