To ensure firefighter safety, Bend Fire and Rescue carry bulletproof safety vests on each engine
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– As the world watches in shock as firefighters in Idaho were brutally attacked and gunned down while on a call. Bend Fire and Rescue is prepared for situations like this with bulletproof safety vests. However, the fire department only uses these vests when they know they’re responding to a possibly hostile situation. The vest rarely see use because the fire department says nearly all its interactions with the public are positive
Makayla Oliver, with Bend Fire and Rescue told KTVZ news “I think generally people are thankful when our responders show up on scene. They know we’re there to do our job one way or another. There are times when we’re trying to enforce a fire code that is not always welcome. However, we try to make sure they understand what the risks are and why we’re asking them to do that, and typically it it ends on a positive note.”
Within city limits, Bend Fire also works closely with Bend Police. No matter what they call, Bend Police will usually arrive first and make sure the scene is safe. At the end of the day, Bend Fire prioritizes the safety of its firefighters above all else.