Burglars steal life-saving equipment from firefighters

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a burglary at the Coolspring Township fire station #2 on Shebel Road.

The fire station is in a rural area three miles southeast of Michigan City.

It is an unmanned station.

The burglary happened sometime between June 20th and June 29th.

The burglars made entry by forcing open a service door.

Items stolen include an Automatic Emergency Defibrillator, airway medical bag, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus and three portable radios among other fire service tools.

the fire department estimated the value of the lost items at approximately $14,000.

“We are disheartened to learn of the burglary which has taken important, life-saving equipment and tools from our firefighters. Our volunteers sacrifice their time every day to help the community and we rely on the very items that were taken to save lives,” said Coolspring Fire Chief Mick Pawlik in a press release.

“The Sheriff’s Office enjoys a great partnership with our county’s volunteer firefighters and we recognize their value as well as the equipment that they often work hard to pay for. Our detectives will work diligently to solve this burglary and bring the guilty to justice,” said LaPorte County Sheriff John Boyd.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Mike Raymer at 219.326.7700 extension 2403.

Tipsters can also phone information to Crime Stoppers at 800.342.STOP ( 7867 ).