They arrived to find a crashed car, but also their fire truck missing.
The truck was later involved in a cross border police chase which ended in dramatic fashion at the Puckapunyal Army Base.
It came a week after a car stolen from Finley led police on a high speed cross border police chase, which ended in Mathoura.
Mid Murray RFS district manager Superintendent Tony Whitehorn said the RFS has been working with police following the theft of the fire truck.
“At around 9pm, RFS crews were responding to a report of a vehicle crash at the Bolton rural fire station.
“On arrival, members found a vehicle had driven into the station and that the fire appliance was missing.
“The fire appliance was later located by police, and a pursuit followed, continuing into Victoria where it was eventually stopped and recovered.
“We are working closely with NSW Police and Victoria Police as investigations continue.
“The offender has been apprehended, and no RFS members were involved in the incident.
“The Bolton Brigade’s station has sustained significant damage, and we are working to support local members and restore the brigade to full operational capacity as soon as possible.”
Police have charged a man from Hamilton, Victoria in relation to the incident.
It is alleged he was behind the wheel of the fire truck as NSW Police pursued it to Tocumwal, and then to the Victorian border.
Victorian Police units then took up position behind the truck, which travelled along the Murray Valley Hwy to the Goulburn Valley Hwy.
Police allege the truck was driving to the speed limit, but not stopping.
The truck bypassed Shepparton and continued along the Goulburn Valley Hwy where stop sticks were successfully deployed.
The truck continued on to the Puckapunyal Army Base as the tyres deflated.
Police allege the truck drove through the security access control point and stopped on the base before the driver got out of the truck.
He encountered a security guard undertaking routine patrols and allegedly stole his unattended vehicle before driving it further on the base.
Stop sticks were again successfully used before the car stopped, and the man was arrested by police.
A 31 year-old has been charged with carjacking, two counts of theft of a vehicle, bringing stolen goods into Victoria, driving in dangerous manner, driving at dangerous speeds, dangerous driving while pursued by police, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, two counts of criminal damage and failing to stop a vehicle on request.
He will appear before Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court.
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