BEND, Ore. — In the wake of the fatal ambush on firefighters in Idaho, Bend Fire and Rescue says it is equipped for potentially dangerous situations with body armor.
The department only deploys the vests when responding to calls where a threat is known or suspected, KTVZ reported. Officials say the gear is rarely needed, as the vast majority of interactions with the public are safe and positive.
| MORE: Body armor: The new firefighter PPE
“I think generally people are thankful when our responders show up on scene. They know we’re there to do our job one way or another. There are times when we’re trying to enforce a fire code that is not always welcome, “Communications Manager Makayla Oliver said. “However, we try to make sure they understand what the risks are and why we’re asking them to do that, and typically it ends on a positive note.”
Within city limits, Bend Fire works in close coordination with Bend Police. In most cases, police officers arrive first to secure the scene before fire crews respond. Ultimately, ensuring firefighter safety remains Bend Fire’s top priority.
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