![MPC pipeline works Karl Hatfield, Trevor Miles and Tayla Childs with RFS Inspector Stephen Carstons, and Dungowan RFS Captain Jack Hahn to present the fundraising. Picture by Gareth Gardner MPC pipeline works Karl Hatfield, Trevor Miles and Tayla Childs with RFS Inspector Stephen Carstons, and Dungowan RFS Captain Jack Hahn to present the fundraising. Picture by Gareth Gardner](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/3FRrb3AuBjKJGNhBeTSDxy/9e45abb5-ad9f-4d62-a77c-c580573ae679.jpg/r0_0_3673_2570_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The ransacking of RFS sheds has prompted an outpouring of charity from a group of construction workers who gathered funds to help purchase new radios.
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In a series of break-ins over the past months, thieves stole thousands of dollars worth of emergency lights and radios from fire engines across Tamworth. Each of the radios costs roughly $5000 each.
This has meant affected trucks having to be "taken offline" before they can again be "brought up to standard", according to Tamworth RFS Inspector Stephen Carstons.
Social performance coordinator for MPC Karl Hatfield said the incidents "really struck a chord with our crew," and so they decided to pass a hat around for donations during one of their smoke breaks.
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"Hopefully it'll help local volunteer firies repurchase some of the items that were stolen," he said.
"It's a shame people would steal from a volunteer organisation that's sole purpose is to help others."
![MPC pipeline works Karl Hatfield, Trevor Miles and Tayla Childs with RFS Inspector Stephen Carstons, and Dungowan RFS Captain Jack Hahn to present the fundraising. Picture by Gareth Gardner MPC pipeline works Karl Hatfield, Trevor Miles and Tayla Childs with RFS Inspector Stephen Carstons, and Dungowan RFS Captain Jack Hahn to present the fundraising. Picture by Gareth Gardner](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/177678904/52f4144e-58fc-42b6-8d58-6fd4710d7da8.jpg/r0_0_4660_3200_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Thieves targeted RFS stations in Gowrie, Loomberah and Duri - all areas near where the Dungowan pipeline is being worked on by MPC employees.
"Our crews have been working on local farms for the past few months building the new Dungowan Pipeline," he said.
"We understand the importance of rural firies being able to show up to farm fires with all the right gear on hand.
"Which is why our crew were happy to help out this important volunteer organisation in recognition of the great work they do day-in, day-out across the local farming community."
The funds raised by the workers has now reached $2000, which he said "matched what crews raised".
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