The Grande Prairie Technical Search and Rescue squad has submitted a report of numerous stolen items to the RCMP.
According to GPTSR, members of the team were participating in a Swiftwater Awareness training exercise at the Canfor Bridge from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Team members describe returning to their vehicles following the exercise and discovered that “multiple essential items” were stolen by an unknown third party. The stolen items include a swiftwater drysuit, two chest rigs to carry gear, GPS systems, and other personal belongings.
According to TSR, some of the stolen gear was personally purchased by team members, which GPTSR Safety Director Sean Mowat says is “truly disheartening.”
“It is truly disheartening to have items stolen from an emergency response organization dedicated to saving lives,” he says. “Despite this setback, we remain committed and ready to respond to any emergency situation.”
Officials say the loss is “deeply personal” as the theft affects the tools that TSR depends on to save lives.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact GPTSR at [email protected] or the RCMP at (780)-830-5700.
