BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. — Firefighters in one Florida community could show up on scene armed with guns if one fire commissioner has his way.
Naples News reported that Bonita Springs fire commissioner Fred Forbes said the department should look into outfitting firefighters with body armor and guns to better protect them from being shot.
“I think it’s something we need to evaluate,” Forbes said. “Anything to minimize the risk.”
He will present his proposal at the district’s board meeting Sept. 14.
Forbes said his idea is in response to recent shootings that have claimed the lives of responders across the country.
“Every time you turn the news on, law enforcement are being shot and killed,” he said. “There are instances already where firemen are going out on a call and being shot at. They’re less likely to be shot at, but there is an element of terrorist activity in the U.S. unfortunately.”
Forbes said he’d coordinate with the sheriff’s office and with local law enforcement agencies as to what would work best.
Forbes said he wants the fire department to reach out to Homeland Security to see if there are grants or programs available to help purchase the equipment.