Maybe an odd question, but the other day I was looking at sub-compact pistols and revolvers for concealed carry (yes, I have the necessary training and permit), and the thought crossed my mind... do you think there could be potential problems with concealed carry and working a fire?  In theory, your PPE should protect your firearm from thermal exposure just like it does you, but we don't live in that neat little town called Theory.

And the more I think about it, I'm thinking this question more affects the volunteers than full time FF's; a full-time knows when he's on duty, and even if he carries while off-duty, once he gets to the station (or leaves home for the station), he can remove his holster.  But for a volunteer, you never know when you're going to get paged.  Do you leave the gun on you, slip it out of the holster and leave in your (locked) vehicle, drop it in the station when you grab your gear....

These are the kinds of things I think about on long drives... the "what-ifs" of life.

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 We have bullet holes in some of our stations. Hell they pull up on the approach and roll there buddy out who's been shot and drive off. It is SOP for the gangbangers in Indy...lol

 

My SAR commander was cleared to carry a .45 while standing next to Pres. George Bush.

Lets revisit this thread. Any new ideas?

My opinion remains the same.  It is not appropriate for firefighters to carry concealed firearms and the shooting in Webster does not change my mind. 

 

I have to agree with Don on this. There is no reason to carry concealed weapons. In this case it wouldn't made a difference anyways. They would have still been shoot. This is just something else we are going to have to know  that it can happen to anyone of us in this day and age. 

Actually on of the deceased ff was also a lt. in the Webster police department.  and it is unclear as to wether or not he engaged the shooter or not but no matter what we have lost 2 outstanding brother today

From the reports i have received and talking to some on the scene. He did not engage. They where plain taking by surprise as far as anyone can tell so far. They are still searching the seven homes that burnt for more victims it is a very sad day for all in the area and around the state. I'm sure other places also.

In light of recent events I intend to start carrying my side arm openly

My understanding is that police officer was NOT there as a police officer but as a volunteer firefighter.

I would hope not while on duty or responding to calls. 

I guarantee you that at all three of my FDs you eouldn't do it because it is simply not allowed.

As a Volunteer I'm always on duty and yes while responding to calls. I have no intention of falling victim to some crazy persons plan.Our response area is large and rural, many times law enforcement only responds if call load allows.

Rick,

Explain how the brothers in NYS could have defended themselves?  My understanding is they were ambushed on an initial dispatch for a car fire. 

Explain how any one can reach under their PPE, grab a weapon and return fire quickly enough to defend themselves?

Before you go off on a CAPS LOCK tirade, I do have a CCW.  However I do not, would not and am not allowed to carry on duty.  If that were to be an issue for me then I would have to decide which is more important.

Also, you loudly state your right to carry yet suggest that people that disagree with you (expressing THEIR freedom of speech to do so) leave the country?  So it's about YOUR rights only and everyone else can go pound sand up their ass?  Nice.........

You're free to do whatever you choose to do, legally and allowed by your FD, EMS  or whatever.  Others are free to not do.  And an employer does have a right to restrict weapons.  Yeah I know, damn gubmint, but that's the way it is.

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