Law enforcement authorities are investigating the recent theftof equipment from a tanker at Heuck’s Retreat Volunteer FireDepartment.

“Someone borrowed the radio out of it. It doesn’t look likethey’re bringing it back,” said Fire Chief Jim Craig. “Obviously,they plan on using it because they removed it very carefully. Theydidn’t just rip the wires out.”

The radio was valued at approximately $300 and was used forcommunication with dispatchers when firefighters answer a call, hesaid.

The theft was reported Monday, but it was unclear when itactually occurred, Craig said. It could have been stolen any timeduring the two weeks surrounding Christmas.

The 1966 1,000-gallon tanker was parked outside the stationbecause it was unserviceable after developing a hole in the tank,Craig said. The truck will be repaired once the funds becomeavailable, he said.

Although Heuck’s Retreat has two other tankers, a 3,000-gallonand an 1,800-gallon tanker, the 1966 truck is part of the station’splan to combat wildfires. At 1,000 gallons, it is considerablylighter than the other two trucks and can often leave the road toget to wildfires when the other tankers would bog down, Craigsaid.