‘Heartbreaking’ theft targets fire trucks as crews fight blaze in Cape Breton

Firefighting equipment worth thousands of dollars was stolen from trucks while crews were engaged in battling a blaze earlier this week in Cape Breton, an act described as "shocking" and "heartbreaking" by the New Waterford Volunteer Fire Department.

Crews responded to a fire on 10th Street around 3:30 a.m. Sunday. A citizen alerted firefighters to someone seen running from the scene with equipment. Upon inspection, the New Waterford department discovered a $3,000 circular saw was missing. The Sydney Fire Department, which was assisting, also reported several items stolen, including another circular saw, an angle grinder, a drill, and a flashlight.

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This wasn’t just a piece of equipment, it is a critical lifesaving tool that our firefighters rely on during emergencies.

In a Facebook post, the New Waterford Volunteer Fire Department emphasized the importance of the stolen equipment, calling it a "critical lifesaving tool." The department highlighted that the tools were not purchased by a large organization but through community generosity, funded by local fundraisers and donations. "Every fundraiser, every donation, every ticket purchased, and every dollar contributed by local residents helped put this tool on our truck," the post stated.

Cape Breton Regional Police are investigating the theft. Officers canvassed the neighborhood, interviewed residents, and collected surveillance video. They are asking anyone with additional information to contact them at 902-563-5151 or Crime Stoppers.

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What makes this even more heartbreaking is that this equipment wasn’t purchased by a large organization. It was purchased through the generosity of our community. Every fundraiser, every donation, every ticket purchased, and every dollar contributed by local residents helped put this tool on our truck.