A Great Falls first responder is asking the public to be on the lookout for stolen firefighting gear.

Great Falls Fire Rescue’s Bryan Martinez said on the night of December 11, two people on bikes broke into his truck on the east side of Great Falls.

The thieves filled a large red bag with thousands of dollars in fire protective equipment. The equipment included clothing, a helmet, breathing mask, and other personal items.

Martinez originally thought he left his equipment at one of the fire stations, but only realized the items were stolen after watching the surveillance footage.

He and his family have searched the surrounding area and notified area pawn shops as well as worked with police. Right now, he is using spare equipment, but hopes his own is recovered quickly.

“It would be nice to get it back, I mean this is a cost that the department shouldn’t have to incur because somebody else stole my stuff so it would be nice, just nice, to get it back and find the people that did it so they can be punished accordingly,” Martinez said.

If you have any information about the theft, you are asked to call the Great Falls Police Department at 727-7688.

-Reported by Joe Huisinga/MTN News