Addison firefighters getting bulletproof vests

Addison Fire Protection District firefighter/paramedics soon will be outfitted with bulletproof vests and ballistic helmets so they can treat and remove victims during active shootings and other situations where they need protection.

Fire Chief Joseph Leone said departments nationwide are wrestling with how to more quickly reach victims during active shooter and mass casualty incidents. Right now, emergency crews can't enter an area until after police have secured it.

"There are so many studies out there that say we could save so many lives if we get in there right away," Leone said Friday. "The problem is that we need to have our people in the right type of gear to go into these arenas."

So the district spent $16,283 to buy 19 sets of protective vests and helmets. The gear - enough to equip everyone working on a shift - will be kept on vehicles and be ready to use when needed.

Leone said district personnel have been training to use the protective gear. They will begin using it in the field next month.

It will be mandatory for the vests to be worn when crews are responding to fights, stabbings, shootings and domestic violence incidents.

A vest and helmet both must be worn during riots, terrorist events, active shooting situations and civil unrest.

Even with the protective gear, the firefighter/paramedics will coordinate with police and have officers with them when they enter a potentially dangerous area.

"We would go with them (police) into a more secure area - not the hot zone where the offender is," Leone said.

He said teams of police and firefighter/paramedics will be able to enter an active scene to treat and remove victims.

"We can no longer be passive," Leone said. "We must respond with the police and render emergency medical care in a timely manner."

While the equipment is needed in today's world, Leone said he never expected ambulances and fire trucks to be carrying bulletproof vests and ballistic helmets.

"They didn't teach you this in the fire academy when I went through 25 years ago," he said.