Rural firefighters are devastated after thieves made off with approximately $30,000 worth of vital equipment while they were out on a rescue mission on the NSW Mid North Coast.
Members of the RFS Coolongolook Brigade were engaged in extracting a person trapped in a vehicle yesterday afternoon when their truck and station on Midge Street were broken into.
The culprits stole radios, specialized gear, an internet box, a chainsaw, and several items funded by grants and donations.
Coolongolook Captain Andy Gilbert expressed his deep sorrow over the incident.
“Over the past 10 to 12 years, I’ve worked hard to equip the brigade, and seeing it all taken away is truly disheartening,” he shared.
Gilbert explained that the theft has severely hampered their operational capabilities, complicating their response to fires and vehicle accidents during the peak of bushfire season.
“That’s what these people don’t realise when they do these things. It puts the community and the wider community at risk,” he said.
“We’re operational, but we’re limited.” 
The brigade said the thieves parked down the hill from the station and used a wheelie bin to transport the stolen items to their car.
Manning Great Lakes Police said it was investigating the robbery believed to have occurred between 4pm on Tuesday and 12pm yesterday. 
The public has been urged to keep an eye out for the items, particularly for resale online.
The RFS and MidCoast Council are working through insurance paperwork so that the brigade can recover as much of their losses as possible.
But Gilbert warned it could take weeks to months to get all the equipment back. 
Coolongolook has a population of roughly 400 people and is a service town, with just three service stations and a handful of takeaway shops. 
The community has rallied around the brigade and offered their support and donations.
