Thursday, Jan 26, 2006 at 23:34
Interesting. I thought one of my wifes friends whose husband was there said it was
Yea (think WIN News did too for that matter) but the local rag said Traralgon. You'd want to think it hasn't happened twice...
Dave
LOW BLOW
Robbed: CFA volunteers
The News thinks CFA volunteers make an incredible sacrifice to help communities when they are in need, often leaving their families to fight fires. Text your messages of support for the region's firefighters to 042 SMS NEWS.
By Kristin Favaloro
January 26 2006
Shepparton News
Goulburn Valley volunteer firefighters risking their lives battling blazes in the Gippsland region have been dealt a low blow, with thieves stealing their belongings while they lay exhausted in bed.
The sickening act occurred early Tuesday morning when the four firefighters were sleeping at a Traralgon motel.
They had spent more than 12 hours fighting a fire that had destroyed more than 13 600 ha in Moondarra State Park.
Tallygaroopna volunteer
John Rhodes said the firefighters were recovering from a long day when the thieves struck.
"Some members were asleep, I was out of the room, and some were in the shower," Mr Rhodes said.
"We were extremely tired and extremely dirty and we needed a shower to relax. That was the last thing that we needed."
The stolen mobiles phones and wallets lay next to the volunteers' Country Fire Authority clothing when they disappeared.
Mooroopna volunteer Adam Glasson said this would have given thieves a clear indication of who was in the rooms.
"My bag with my CFA gear was right beside my stuff and it would have been the same in the other rooms," Mr Glasson said.
The volunteers were part of a strike team which also included VicRoads and Department of Sustainability and Environment employees.
Mr Glasson said one of the most distressing things about the theft was that his wife, who was concerned for his welfare, could not phone him.
While the incident distressed the firefighters, they agreed the incident would not stop them from volunteering for the CFA.
"It won't stop me, I've been in the fire brigade for 27 years," Mr Rhodes said.
"It's the dream of every guy to drive a big red fire truck."
While Mr Glasson has only volunteered with the authority for the past six months, he too has no qualms about continuing.
"It's just to be part of the community, to help out," he said.
"That (being in Traralgon) was good . . . you'd see the signs on roundabouts, kids were coming out and clapping."
Telstra has offered to replace the firefighters' mobile phones and VicRoads will issue new driver's licences without charge.
None of the stolen items have yet been recovered.
FollowupID:
404802