VIDEO: Firefighters across the city of Fresno will soon have new gear. “Every fire engine and fire will have enough ballistic helmets and vests for the personnel working that rig,” Fresno city councilmember Mike Karbassi stated. The move comes after Karbassi says he heard safety concerns around active shooter situations from the frontlines. Back in June, two firefighters in Idaho were killed and another injured when a suspect ambushed the crew responding to a fire.
Karbassi says the concern heightens when the situation involves children. “If there is a shooting at a school, I know they are going to follow the commands of PD and they’re going to be staged but I also know the way that they are and they are going to want to go out there and save that kid so I want to make sure that they have the equipment necessary in they’re protected if they ever have to take that risk on themselves,” he explained.
The gear will be used in situations the crew sees fit. “As much as this is about making sure our firefighters are safe, this actually improves their ability to enter a dangerous situation and save someone who may have potentially been shot or in an active shooter zone and get them to safety and medical care because those moments matter,” he said.
