Cops and firefighters both respond to active shootings. While police try to stop a shooter, firefighters are there to help anyone who has been hurt.
That often requires them to put themselves at risk. Now the Walla Walla Fire Department will have protective gear for these situations.
“We don't carry weapons,” Deputy Fire Chief Brad Morris said. It’s in a firefighter’s nature to run toward danger. But in a shooting, firefighters often have to wait outside until it's safe to treat victims.
“We were just having to stand by, not being able to make entry when we knew there were lives we could save,” Morris said.
And for the Walla Walla Fire Department, that wasn't okay.