Body Armor
Recent violent events have pushed Wake County officials to buy additional protection for first responders
The panelists answer attendee questions related to NFPA 3000, PPE, grants, armed firefighters, RTFs, working with law enforcement, and more
The Oshkosh Fire Department will use a grant to purchase 10 sets of ballistic vests, helmets and accessories
Every La Vergne Fire Department apparatus will now be equipped with ballistic vests and helmets for every firefighter on board
In today’s perilous world, firefighters require a new response paradigm to increase scene safety
The department is asking for a $44,600 Homeland Security grant to purchase body armor firefighters can wear during incidents where responders might be in danger
Fire Captain Andy Kaschalk said the department received the high-strength, light-weight vests after receiving a state grant to buy them in May
Every fire engine and fire truck has been equipped with five vests, with a total price tag of $40,000
An inter-town Capital Expenditure Grant from the state purchased tactical protective equipment to ensure the safety of first responders
“This is just another layer of protection that firefighters can have to do their job,” Cincinnati Firefighters Union Local 48 president Matt Alter said
East Pierce County Fire and Rescue received approval to purchase 32 ballistic vests and helmets worth $75,000
Broward commissioners approved spending $177,000 to purchase 176 body armor packages and helmets
The Charleston Fire Department is calling for police presence and body armor after an ambulance was hit by gunfire
Matthew Brabham started Arming Angels in the hopes of equipping as many responders as possible with ballistic vests and active shooter kits
Balancing a 300-year tradition of dedicated service and professionalism with protecting firefighters from assault, shootings, protests and violence
The department now has enough vests and helmets for a full shift of seven firefighters and paramedics
Responders will receive ballistic vests and helmets tested against special threats
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the emerging threats facing today’s responders, how a rescue task force response model works and what equipment and armor technology is available
There are currently 10 employees with the department that are trained as tactical paramedics
Fire Commissioner Eric Jones secured funding to outfit responders with the protective gear
Chief David Coatney said the department doesn’t carry body armor on rescue units
Two sets will be kept with each medic unit and three sets will be kept with each fire unit
Products include ballistic systems, carriers, helmets, rifle plates and more
Paramedics are requesting self-defense training as well as ballistic vests
The $250,000 budget proposal would equip all of Cincinnati’s firefighters with custom-fitted vests
The gear, which cost the city $88,000, is now distributed throughout all of the department’s emergency vehicles
The incident prompted officials to request that all firefighters be equipped with ballistic vests
Chief Matthew Graves said the gear is needed given “what’s going on in our society,” but some residents disagree
If firefighters are en route to a medical call, welfare check or other emergency that is considered higher-risk, they have the option to wear the vests
Although the vests add an additional 20 to 30 pounds of weight, officials said paramedics don’t mind
The fire union pushed for more vests ever since shots were fired at two fire stations in 2015
Private donations and grants provided the $7,100 needed for the 13 vests
