From the Addison Fire District:

Protective equipment such as bullet-proof vests and ballistic helmets are becoming more of a common place among paramedic / firefighters today. There is a growing concern that shooting victims need to be treated quickly. In the past the police would secure the scene then the paramedic / firefighters would go inside to treat them. In a task force response a team of police and paramedic / firefighters now enter an active scene to treat and remove victims.
The Addison Fire Protection District will soon outfit on-duty paramedic / firefighters with protective equipment that will allow them to become part of a response task force during an active shooter incident and help protect them during questionable situations. 

The District has approved an expenditure of $16,283 dollars for protective vest and ballistic helmets. The gear will be kept on the vehicles and be ready for use when needed. “We can no longer be passive; we must respond with the police and render emergency medical care in a timely manner,” said Fire Chief Joe Leone. “We have instituted training, purchased the protective equipment and are now ready to enter into this unfortunate realism.”

Addison Fire District photo

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