‘I’m at a loss for words’: $60K in equipment stolen from Alberta fire station

The Calahoo Fire Station. (Source: Sturgeon County)

Police are investigating after $60,000 worth of equipment was stolen from the Calahoo Fire Station in Sturgeon County early Monday morning.

According to fire chief, Chad Moore, what was taken was largely what they call ‘rescue tools’ like the “Jaws of Life.”

“They’re hydraulic tools for both spreading or cutting apart cars while doing rescues from vehicle collisions. Hydraulic pumps and hoses that go along with those tools, as well as a powered circular saw were also taken,” said Moore.

“We’re currently working with the RCMP to review evidence as they investigate this serious crime.”

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The county says it has redistributed equipment from other stations to minimize disruptions in Calahoo, adding the station is fully operational and residents won’t be impacted.

“I commend our fire services for acting so quickly to ensure residents are not impacted by the theft of these life-saving tools,” Sturgeon County Mayor Alanna Hnatiw said.

“During the busy holiday travel season, it is essential that our equipment is ready for use at all times to keep people safe and moving smoothly.”

Moore added that they’re grateful they had a backup set to be able to resume operations, because it makes a large impact on their delivery of service.

“It’s frustrating because if our staff would have responded to a call in the last 24 hours to rescue a patient, they might have opened up the truck to find they (rescue tools) weren’t there and had to call the next station. Which could be up to 20 or 30 more minutes to respond to help.”

The Calahoo area has seen a recent increase in rural crime, especially theft, the county says.

Businesses like the general store, which supplied food to the local community, have also been hit.

“I’m just really at a loss for words today. We’re both angry and disappointed that this occurred. Rural crime is an issue even within the small hamlet of Calahoo, where RCMP responded to 33 calls for service just this year,” said Moore.

“We just hope that we can recover and get back that equipment that was lost.”

Anyone with information about the stolen equipment is asked to contact RCMP directly or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.