Equipment Stolen, but Not Desire to Serve

While our country remains on high alert and braces for another possible terrorist attack, I am appalled and disgusted by the behavior of certain individuals who live right here in our country.

I am a member of the California Emergency Mobile Patrol. This is a volunteer search and rescue team that is prepared to assist the LAFD, the LAPD and members of the community. We are a nonprofit organization that works solely on donations. Each member willingly purchases all of his or her own equipment and is ready to respond at a moment’s notice. With my truck showing a CEMP sticker, some person or persons smashed the window and stole my backpack with all of my search-and-rescue equipment in it.

My equipment was not anything someone could pawn or even use. It will probably end up in a dumpster. At a time when all the emergency responders, whether paid or volunteer, are needed the most, these poor excuses for Americans just reduced that number by one. That is, until I can replace what was taken. To the thieves: You’ve wounded my my faith in humanity, but you can’t break my desire to serve my community and country.

Suzanne Golbricht

Encino