Cade Lucas
Despite most of their equipment being stolen on Christmas Eve, the Werribee CFA fire fighting team are still gearing up for their first competition of the season.
An estimated $20,000 worth of competitive fire fighting equipment, including hydrants, connections and nozzles, was stolen from the club’s storage shed at Galvin Park on December 24.
None of the equipment has yet been recovered, but Lieutenant Rohan Rizzoli from the Werribee CFA said their teams will still be at the starting line in Colac next weekend, thanks to the generosity of their competitors.
“We’ve been pretty lucky that a lot of CFA family have got around us and provided equipment that we can borrow,” said Lt Rizzoli, adding that their juniors aged 11 to 16, many of whom were preparing for the first season of competition, had been most affected.
“It’s had a huge impact on them and their moral,” he said.
“We were at a point where we weren’t sure if they would be able to compete, but thanks to the generosity of other brigades they will be.”
That generosity has extended to members of the general public who are providing donations to help the brigade replace their stolen gear.
“Our members have been overwhelmed with the support of the community,” said Lt Rizzoli of the donations which people have made voluntarily via the CFA website.
“We’ve put some information out if people want to support us, but we’re not actively asking for donations.”
A fundraising campaign will be required though to upgrade security at it’s storage site, with the club hoping to install security cameras.
As for replacing the stole gear, Lt Rizzoli said even with sufficient funds, it will be a difficult task.
“A lot of it has been passed down through generations, it’s not stuff you can just buy off the shelf.”
While he believes the equipment was stolen for scrap metal, Lt Rizzoli encouraged people to be on the lookout just in case.
“Just keep an eye out if people are trying to sell it or just dump it.”
To donate visit: rb.gy/urs1zo
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
