Redding firefighter Judah Collins became a victim of crime while in the middle of a shift on a California Conservation Corps hand crew, cutting lines on the Park Fire.
Collins told CBS News Sacramento that when the Park Fire ignited he was at the fire facility within hours to drop off his car and take a bus into the remote areas where the crew was needed.
"It's been pretty crazy. It's been like 24-hour shifts every day," Collins said of battling the fourth largest fire in California history.
After joining the California Conservation Corps hand crew, Collins called his sister a few days later.
"I was like, 'Hey, I left my keys inside one of the offices. If you just want to go, knock on the front door, get the keys, and then bring my car home. That'd be great,' and she pulls up, and she just tells me like there's no car here," Collins said.
Collins, who is currently sidelined with a foot injury, had saved for years to buy himself a car, riding his bicycle wherever he needed to go. Now, it's back to the bike, foot injury and all.
A family friend heard what happened and jumped into action by organizing a fundraiser as a way to thank Collins for his hard work.
"We are still praying that Judah's truck is recovered, if it isn't, then hopefully this money can help him replace it. Let's help give back to this hero," the fundraiser organizer wrote in a post online.
Collins' truck is a charcoal gray 2006 Ford Ranger and anyone with information on its whereabouts should contact Redding police.
