By FireRescue1 Staff
CLARENDON COUNTY, S.C. — In light of recent attacks on first responders, firefighters are advocating to carry firearms at emergency scenes.
Clarendon County firefighters are asking lawmakers to allow them to carry a handgun on duty. The law currently only allows law enforcement officers to carry firearms at emergency scenes, reported WISTV.
“We have certainly run into homeowners or individuals on the scene who were currently presenting a danger to us,” Fire Chief Francis Richbourg said. “An individual has stopped by or showed up to the scene and made me feel queasy about their intent.”
Firefighters are also asking legislators to allow someone who assaults a firefighter to be charged with aggravated assault and battery.