In an alarming act of theft, the Stockton Fire Department found itself short of essential safety gear after items were filched from a parked fire engine. As reported by ABC10, the incident took place last night near the Miracle Mile, where firefighters from Engine 6 were preoccupying themselves with hazard reviews for the safety and preparedness of the community they serve.
Among the stolen items were a helmet, engineer and captain turnout jackets, lights, gloves, and straps—gear not easily replaced, yet essential to the functioning and protection of these first responders. The department has issued a no-questions-asked plea for the return of the equipment, inviting the responsible party to drop the items off at Company 6 or the Fire Administration according to a statement obtained by CBS News Sacramento.
"Stealing firefighter safety equipment puts lives at risk, including the lives of your own neighbors," Stock Fire authorities stated, as noted by CBS News Sacramento. The firefighters' ability to respond to emergencies could be hampered without these essential tools. Those with information on the whereabouts of the stolen gear are encouraged to participate in securing the safety of Stockton firefighters by returning the items promptly.
