In a brazen and damaging burglary, thieves targeted a vital emergency service facility in Sturgeon County, making off with an estimated $60,000 worth of critical rescue equipment. The Calahoo fire station was broken into on the morning of Monday, December 22, 2025.
Specialized Life-Saving Tools Taken
The stolen items are not common tools but highly specialized apparatus used by firefighters to save lives. Among the haul was a hydraulic spreader, universally known as the "jaws of life," which is crucial for extricating victims from vehicle wrecks. Also taken were an industrial cutter, a cut-off saw, a generator, and various other assorted rescue tools primarily used in vehicle collision responses.
Alberta RCMP detailed the theft in a news release issued on Tuesday, December 23, and are now appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the recovery of the equipment.
Fire Chief Expresses Disappointment and Confusion
Sturgeon County Fire Chief Chad Moore called the crime both "disappointing and senseless." He emphasized the troubling nature of targeting a facility dedicated to public safety. "These local facilities are there to serve the public and the broader safety of those in the area. To have it broken into is just really disappointing," Moore stated.
He also expressed puzzlement over the thieves' motives, given the specialized nature of the equipment. "That’s the part that we’re struggling to understand, is why they wanted these tools," Moore said. "This is highly specialized equipment to fire departments, so we’re hoping that someone might recognize it and help report it."
Service Maintained Despite Significant Loss
Chief Moore moved quickly to reassure residents of Sturgeon County that emergency response capabilities will not be compromised. To ensure no gap in service, replacement equipment has already been redistributed to the Calahoo station from other fire stations within the county's network.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about this theft or any other crime to contact investigators. Tips can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
