VIDEO: When headed out to calls, Lodi firefighters throw on their gear and grab their boots, but soon they’ll be adding more protective equipment to their rigs.
“You need to have access to this type of equipment at-the-ready state all the time,” said Lodi Fire Chief Ken Johnson.
Johnson said he would like to have bulletproof vests and ballistic helmets for all his firefighters.
They wouldn’t be used on every call — only those they respond to with law enforcement that involves weapons, like active-shooter situations.
“You never know when something like this is going to take place and to be able to respond quickly is important,” Johnson said. He said Stockton firefighters already have them, and he wants Lodi firefighters protected too.
“You never know when something like this is going to take place and to be able to react quickly is important,” Johnson said.
The Lodi Fire Foundation recently launched a fundraising campaign to help pay for the new equipment.