One year after the mass shooting in Las Vegas hit home the dangers faced by first-responders, Mesa leaders voted to spend $262,000 to equip firefighters and medical teams with body armor.
The protection already is available in Chandler, Scottsdale and Tempe, and will be in place in Gilbert this year.
The Mesa City Council unanimously approved the purchase Monday. The recommendation to council noted the increased frequency and severity of shooting incidents across the country, and that medical assistance during mass casualty shootings has been delayed as law enforcement clears hazards.