RCMP officers nab pair after break-in at Canora fire hall

Canora’s fire department has more than $40,000 worth of stolen equipment back thanks to the work of two RCMP officers from the Canora/Sturgis detachment.

In a media release Thursday, the RCMP said the officers were on patrol in Canora on Nov. 27 when they saw two men acting suspiciously near the town’s fire hall.

A subsequent investigation by the officers located three brand-new breathing apparatuses, formal uniforms, battery chargers and ice augers that had been taken from the fire hall.

Two men from Canora — a 21-year-old and a 35-year-old — were arrested and charged with break and enter and theft over $5,000.

All but two fire helmets that had been taken were recovered.

“We’re a small community and we cover three rural municipalities and the Town of Canora,” Fire Chief Devon Sawka said in the release.

“We slowly save up for these bigger purchases, like the new breathing apparatuses. A theft of this nature can be enough to cripple a department. At the end of the day, (the RCMP officers) not only helped us, but the community as a whole.”

Sgt. Derek Friesen, the commander of the Canora/Sturgis detachment, said community patrols are all about knowing and understanding the towns and their people.

“Patrolling allows an officer to learn their patrol area, which includes knowledge of back roads and layout of communities,” Friesen said in the release. “One of the most important aspects of patrolling is meeting and talking with community members.

“Building and developing relationships with community members encourages information exchange and gives an officer a deeper understanding of the community and the ability to better serve those who need our help.”

Canora is about 50 kilometres north of Yorkton.