Ten minutes later, somebody noticed an empty space where the truck used to be.

"It was quite unusual," said Lt. Andy Zettek, a Margate police spokesman. "I have no idea why anyone would take a rescue truck."

A command post was established at the firehouse. Police and city employees joined in the hunt. A Broward Sheriff's Office helicopter scoured the area from the sky.

And a GPS tracking device in the truck was activated.

That's how it was located, at 1800 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

The good news: The vehicle was found intact, still equipped with its red lights, siren and other accessories.

The bad news: The thief remains at large.

Thieves don't often steal fire rescue trucks. This particular one isn't exactly discreet -- it is red and white, bigger than an ambulance and bears the name of the department, officials said.

Crime scene detectives were searching the vehicle.

At no time were emergency services disrupted, Zettek said. While the truck was missing, fire rescue officials had a contingency plan in place.

"Another vehicle was in use," Zettek said.

An investigation continues.

Written by The Miami Herald