A Texas State Representative introduced a bill that would let firefighters and EMTs carry guns while they are on-duty.
Rep. John Wray, R-Waxahachie, introduced House Bill 982 to give first responders added protection because polices are different at each agency, according to CBS DFW.
The bill uses the term first responder to allow for both career and volunteer fire and EMS agencies to be included.
“In the less urban areas… you increase the likelihood that the first responders on the scene will be non-peace officers — such as fire and EMS," Wray said. “Firefighters and EMS do not need to perform a peace officer role, but they certainty have the right to protect themselves."
Lacy Lakeview Volunteer Fire Department Chief Patty Faulkner is concerned about proper training for carrying guns based on peace officer requirements.
"Are the firefighters going to have to go through that same training? Are they going to have to qualify twice a year?" Faulkner told local television station KCBD.com.
Wray is going to re-evaluate the wording to look at training requirements, KCBD reported.
"I don't want to carry a gun inside of a fire. No one is going to do that. It's not safe," Bellmead firefighter David said. "But where is that gun going to be put? There has to be some way to secure it. I can't just take my gun off and just set it in the truck. There has to be some way that it's secured."
