Thousands of dollars' worth of highly specialized equipment was stolen from a Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue vehicle in Abbotsford.
Thieves made off with a thermal imaging camera worth $10,000, as well as a generator and a backpack of first aid equipment.
The theft leaves the rescue team with little ability to save lives.
Colin Wiebe of CFV Search and Rescue (SAR) said the theft has been devastating to the team's volunteers.
"I can't imagine why anybody would think that they could come in here ... and think that it's equipment they could just steal and it wouldn't have an affect on the community," he said.
Abbotsford Police Staff Sergent Tom Chesley said any potential buyer would know the equipment was stolen.
"Anyone that's buying it is going to know that that's stolen property and certainly any second hand dealer or any type of legitimate business would know not to purchase that from a person," he said.
It is not the first time thieves have hit the rescue team. In 2005, a SAR vehicle was stolen from Hope, but later recovered.
Wiebe recovered a first aid fanny pack on Wednesday morning, apparently dropped by the thieves. The equipment is insured and will eventually be replaced by special order, but until that happens, the team hopes they don't have to be called into action to help save a life.
Anyone with information is being asked to call Abbotsford police.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Michele Brunoro
