CHESTER, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- The Chester Volunteer Fire Department is operating without some of its emergency rescue equipment after a burglary at one of its stations left the department missing the Jaws of Life and several other tools.

Among the items taken were cordless cutters and spreaders - commonly known as the Jaws of Life - a thermal imaging camera, a Pelican flashlight, extended reach tips for the spreaders, a cordless drill, an impact driver, and a grinder.

According to Chester Fire Chief Nate Bolduc, firefighters at Station 2 responded to a medical call on the morning of June 29. There were no signs of damage to the facility when they left. The following evening at 7 p.m., a firefighter noticed a damaged door at the station and suspected a break-in. That firefighter notified Bolduc, who inspected Station 2 and Engine 2 on July 1. “I started checking this truck for anything missing. I went through all of the cabinets and then I found the Jaws were missing,” he said.

The Jaws of Life are used by the department during vehicle accidents and other emergencies. “We can use these to pop doors open if we cannot open them with the normal means or to cut the roof off if the patient is severely injured and we got to have access to the inside of the car,” Bolduc explained.

The department is currently borrowing replacement Jaws of Life from Fire Tech and Safety. Community members have offered to help raise money for permanent replacements. The department is also looking to install cameras and security systems at its stations. Neighboring fire departments are installing cameras as a precaution as well.

Bolduc said the theft caught the department off guard. “They were just completely blown away. They had no words really,” he said.

Bolduc directed a message to whoever carried out the burglary. “What were you guys thinking? This was completely uncalled for. We’re a small-town department. We worked really hard to get these jaws,” he said.

Massachusetts State Police is investigating. As of Monday afternoon, there were no leads and none of the stolen tools have been recovered.

Donations are being accepted through the Chester Volunteer Firefighters Association. Their mailing address is:

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