A Bonita Springs Fire Commissioner Wants To Arm SWFL Firefighters with military-style weapons.
“Could this be coming to Lehigh Acres Fire Department? Not on my watch”, said Robert Anderson candidate for Lehigh Acres Fire Commission Seat 3
A new idea from Bonita Springs Fire Commissioner Fred Forbes could give firefighters access to military-grade weapons.
Firefighters in Southwest Florida could show up at scenes armed with guns if one Bonita Springs Fire Commissioner has his way.
I am thinking primarily of military-style weapons that could be carried in the fire trucks, said Forbes.
After all the recent violence aimed at first responders, Forbes says something needs to be done.
Has this Fire Commissioner lost his marbles, Forbes also wants body armor for all the firefighters?
According to Bonita Springs Fire Chief Joseph Daigle, The idea is astronomical; you are talking about firefighters carrying firearms.
But it is not a new idea according to FEMA and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), they are teaching companies, Fire Departments and even Houses of Worship wants known as “Active Shooter Preparedness” training. But the course does not recommend military-grade weapons to anyone.
The DHS aims to enhance preparedness through a ”whole community” approach by providing training, products, and resources to a broad range of stakeholders on issues such as active shooter awareness, incident response, and workplace violence.
According to Anderson, “Training is important but to have weapons on the Fire Trucks is just asking for trouble.”