The City of Mesa has approved a $262,000 budget to buy new body armor equipment for firefighters.
In a city council report, the city cites increased dangers when out in the field and a need for medical attention to be delivered quicker in active situations.
Assistant Fire Chief Cori Hayes says the new armor is part of ongoing training with firefighters and police to respond to active shooter incidents.
"We recognize that as firefighters we have a commitment to protect and serve our community. As the risk and threats continue to change across our nation and the world we must stay current in our roles and responses to these possible threats.
On a national level we have seen recent standards and recommendations come out giving guidance on how to best respond to Active Shooter/ Hostile Events (ASHE) that include some recommendations for appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for firefighters/medical first responders. Those recommendations include following the Rescue Taskforce model when responding to Active Shooter/ Hostile Events. Those recommendations also include ballistic body armor for personnel that might be operating in a hazardous area."
It's unclear when firefighters will start using the body armor on calls.
