Over the last ten years, Santa Barbara County has experienced multiple high-profile mass shootings that have sparked a concern for the safety of firefighters present at the scene of the crime. In an attempt to protect front-line responders, the county’s fire department has been included in the Los Angeles Fire Department’s large order of bulletproof vests and protective helmets.
County Fire Captain David Zaniboni says the county will soon purchase 100 bulletproof vests and helmets that will accompany each firefighter on duty. These vests are designed to protect the chest and back areas with metal plates that line the front and backsides of the body.
“Things aren’t like how they were 25 years ago. There have been more and more situations in Santa Barbara that involve active shooters, and that means we have to make sure our firefighters are going to be safe when responding to these kinds of calls,” said Zaniboni.