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.
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.
After stop sticks were deployed, the truck continued on to the Puckapunyal Army Base as the tyres deflated.
The driver encountered a security guard 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.
The 31 year-old was charged with multiple offices, including carjacking.
Fatal crash near Nathalia
Police officers are investigating a fatal crash near Nathalia on Wednesday.
Emergency services were called to reports of a car crashing into a tree near the intersection of the Murray Valley Hwy and Katunga-Picola Rd about 4.15am.
Sadly, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with dashcam vision is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Bombers choose Wright
After a whirlwind first year with Benalla, in which he booted 64 goals in 17 games, Nathan Wright has earned a contract with Essendon’s VFL side for the 2026 season.
Comfortably the best recruit of the 2025 Goulburn Valley League season, Wright monstered defences across the league, with bags of nine against Mooroopna and a pair of eights against Rochester and Tatura earning him an interleague call-up and even a taste of VFL football with the Northern Bullants.
In his one game with the side, now known as Preston Football Club after losing its VFL licence, the 22 year-old booted 2.2 from 10 touches in a performance that strengthened his own belief that he belonged at the level.
Wright has nominated Benalla as his community club if he doesn’t feature at VFL level next season.
