VIDEO: Phoenix firefighters say an area of downtown Phoenix is so dangerous they now need police officers to secure areas before fire crews can respond to calls.
Firefighters told Arizona's Family the homeless population around the CASS shelter has become extremely hostile in the past few weeks, so much so they had to request the Phoenix Police Department to help them just be able to do their jobs. They said it's never been this bad before. "There's a problem. We can say that for sure," said P.J. Dean with the United Phoenix Firefighters Association.
When Phoenix firefighters respond to a call, their first thought is to keep others safe. Now, they said the tables have turned.
"We've seen hammers, samurai swords, chains, a variety of things that have been utilized as weapons," said Dean. "We can't protect ourselves; we can't defend ourselves and treat people medically at the same time."