SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio firefighters received an internal memo asking that they do not wear their uniforms while going to and from work due to recent tension aimed at first responders.
KSAT reported that fire officials heard information that a Houston fire captain had been targeted for violence because of his uniform.
“We don’t know if they were looking for firefighter or law enforcement officials, but it was something that we want to make sure that we increase the awareness or the situational awareness of our firefighters here in San Antonio,” San Antonio Fire Department Chief Charles Hood said.
Chief Hood’s concern is that SAFD firefighter uniforms closely resemble police uniforms.
“We are at a disadvantage just by the nature of what we do, but again, if we can improve the awareness of the firefighters in all activities that we do, then we’re going to try to make them a little bit safer,” Hood said.
Earlier this month, concrete was thrown at a Va. fire truck on its way to an emergency call. Firefighters in Colorado are also being asked to change their uniforms to look less like police officers.
Chief Hood said the department would also consider additional training for crews and consider adjusting procedures to ensure their safety.