The family members of public safety personnel often spend sleepless nights thinking about the safety of their on-duty loved ones. Those concerns are magnified when first responders are working an active shooter incident. Thanks to the generosity of the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, Miltons firefighters are now equipped with bullet resistant helmets and vests.

Last years incident in Las Vegas reinforced the need to protect our personnel during an active shooter situation, said Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar. We need to respond to the injured quickly, and in doing so, we need to know our firefighters are protected.

With a rise in mass casualty events, there is an increased need for rapid triage and treatment of patients before law enforcement can completely secure the situation. More than $19,000 dollars of custom equipment will provide the added protection firefighters need while responding in an active environment. The special design increases personal safety, but allows the flexibility firefighters need when providing emergency medical services to the injured.

The grant funds provide helmets and vests for every front-line apparatus in Milton, including three engines, one ladder, a rescue, and the battalion chief. Each firefighter will then have access to a ballistic vest and helmet while on duty.