Some First Responders Want to Carry Guns on the Job
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JACKSON, Tenn.-A local fire department said they believe firefighters and EMS personnel should be armed, but not everyone agrees. “It may be time to start considering arming the firefighters,” said Fire Marshal Wayne Arnold with the Jackson Fire Department. Arnold spoke candidly Thursday about the idea of putting guns on fire trucks. “Most of the time they are gonna be the first ones on the scene and sometimes they might need to be armed just for self defense purposes,” he said. Instructors teach firefighters to be aware of their surroundings, but that is it. “Right now if anything were to happen we‘re pretty much in the same boat as what happened with the firefighters in Atlanta,” said Arnold. Deputy Chief Barry Michael with the Jackson Police Department believes firefighters need training to carry guns. “Once you put a firearm on them there‘s additional liability so that becomes an issue as well,” he said. Michael believes arming firefighters could get more people hurt. “It‘s a touchy situation, but from a law enforcement perspective, it‘s probably not a good idea,” he said. Michael said he understands the fire department‘s perspective. “I see where they‘re coming from too,” he said. “I think I would want to be able to protect myself.” Right now if the fire department sees a problem, they radio for help from police. Arnold said fire investigators are authorized to carry guns. Both departments agree firefighter hostage situations are rare.
