The theft of a defibrillator has been described as “disgraceful” by the CFA volunteers who had raised money to purchase it for the community, but a generous donation has reminded them of the good in people.
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When Defib For Life director Sue Buckman read The Border Mail’s story this week about the break-in at Boweya Fire Station, she knew she could help.
Thieves over Easter had stolen the small community’s defibrillator, purchased with a $2362 grant from the Victorian government in November.
Ms Buckman made the trip up from Melbourne on Friday to donate a brand new defibrillator, as part of her work with the not-for-profit organisation.
She said in areas outside of capital cities, it can take time for emergency services to respond to calls if they are caught up somewhere else.
“Being out here, if something happens, at least if there’s a defib here it gives someone that better chance of surviving,” she said.
The serial number of the new machine will be tracked by Defib For Life, giving security to the fire brigade.
Boweya CFA captain Nick Derrick said this was the second time the fire shed had been broken into over the past nine months so the brigade will install cameras to provide extra security.
He said a volunteer noticed the break-in when he went to take the fire truck for its weekly run.
“He called and said ‘do you know where the defibrillator is?’ We came down and realised a few other things had gone,” Mr Derrick said.
“Stealing is one thing, but stealing a community asset is another.”
The defibrillator will now be available for use in the small community again.
