I know down by Detroit there are medic's carrying pistols for protection and even bullet proof jackets, but does anyone else know of city's that are doing the same thing or even fire departments that have some sort of protection like a bullet proof jacket. this seems to be a growing concern out there for everyone, just wanted to see your view on this issue.

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Thanks "D" for your comment, so do you mean Boyne carry's vests?
Rick,

Did anyone get shot at the second scene? If not, then how would a firearm have helped you?
Would a shootout at the 2nd ambulance have made anything better?

I'm interested in your thoughts.

Ben
I'd hate to die from my own weapon, but I brather die trying to defend myself with my weapon than NO weapon at all!
T.J.

There you have it - if you bring a firearm on a fire or EMS call, it increases the chances that you die trying to defend yourself with that weapon.

Hopefully that won't happen to you.

Ben
Brent,

Excellent point, particularly with the commentary originating from Michigan.

Thanks for the insight,
Ben
We could just combine this thread with another another current FFN hot topic and see what happens.
http://www.firefighternation.com/forum/topic/show?id=889755%3ATopic...

If we're going to start carrying firearms on the engine or medic, then let's give them to the Explorer's too...LOL.
Yeah, but the iPods have better safety features and a higher rate of fire.
I am presuming they will be "Tactical Vests. But still no guns.

I have a better Idea. Why don't we just add "The Good Guys" on uniforms in fluro-reflective lettering?

From the Canton Repository reprinted in Fire Chief's Command Post
Ohio Firefighters Don Bulletproof Vests

Oct 22, 2008 11:50 AM

Canon, Ohio, is buying bulletproof vests for its 180 firefighters. According to the Canton Repository, the request was made by the Canton Professional Firefighters Association Local 249 after the city's firefighters responded to a scene where shots were fired but no one was injured.

"We go to a lot of violent incidents, and a lot of people carry guns today," Division Chief John Whitlatch told the paper. "And we look like cops, and when there's a violent incident, the cops are going and we're going, and we're all in the mix together — you never know what you'll encounter."

Specifically, the new policy is in response to a number of incidents involving firefighters and gunfire at a scene. This year, a St. Louis firefighter and Chicago fire investigator were shot while on duty.

The vests will cost approximately $100,000 and arrive in about nine to 10 weeks. They will be custom-fitted for each firefighter and be standard gear just like coats, helmets and boots. Currently, bulletproof vests are standard gear for paramedics in Dayton, Columbus and Cincinnati, as well as in a few rural departments.
I talked to a friend from Detroit Fire Department today and he told me that yes their fire department has jackets and that the EMS has jackets and some do carry firearms (concealed) and they wont go into the address tell law is on scene. He told me that they've been fired at many of times and they'll fire at ems people if they feel their not caring the right way for who ever is injured, kinda like the ems people hold the switch or are god. that just makes me sick to think they can be that dumb.
Ive of cases in a couple of citys here in TX where firefighters have gotten shot. I havent heard of any preventative action yet but it is a growing issue with more and more fires and med calls and hazmat calls being linked to other crimes. Criminals are doing everything they can to keep from being discovered.

Its a growing issue and if local GOV wont address we need to
(CBS 11 News) DALLAS Last Friday, a firefighter was shot inside a west Dallas fire station. He survived, but the gunman is still at large.

Who would be so brazen as to shoot a firefighter?

Johnny Moreno was on his cell phone talking to his wife, pacing inside the fire station. He turned around, walked to the window and put his head down. He then turned to his side. That’s when a bullet went through the glass and into his arm.

“I heard him yell. ‘Help, help,’” recalled Stacy Moreno, the firefighter’s wife. “And then a few seconds later, I heard him say, ‘I’ve been shot.’”

The bullet hole still remains in the glass of the fire station. Had Moreno not turned his body, the result could have been far worse.

“I know there’s always a possibility that he could get hurt at work, but I would think it would be fire related and not in a shooting,” said Stacy.

Johnny Moreno’s wounded arm remains in a sling. He has been unable to fight fires because of the drive-by shooting. He declined to talk, saying it’s simply too soon.

His wife, however, has plenty to say. “I was just so grateful that he was still alive,” Moreno said. “Why would you injure someone who helps the community? Someone who, if you are injured, is going to come and help you.”

With only one witness who saw very little, police hope that a foolish choice will lead to an arrest. “These criminals sometimes get relaxed in nature,” said Cpl. Jamie Matthews with the Dallas Police Department, “and they may sometimes brag about certain offenses that they’ve committed.”

Police have a description of the car, believed to be a late 1990s gray Ford Mustang. Those with any information are urged to call North Texas Crime Stoppers at 1-877-373-TIPS.

(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Body armor on the rig is a good idea in any jursdiction. I was a sheriff's deputy for 8 years prior to going fulltime with EMS. My problem with armed medics is that unless you train daily on drawing your weapon from a concealed carry you are not going to be effective in a highstress encounter, and in worst case you could be mistaken as the bad guy when LE shows up. When I train EMT's I teach some defensive tactics to separate them from the encounter not to restrain the PT. LE trains for encounters with the bad guys we don't. I still hold a position with the sheriffs office and am trained as a tactical medic and I won't carry unless requested by the SO or PD.

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