Medford, Ore. – On Friday, on-duty Medford firefighters were issued ballistic vests and helmets they can use when responding to incidents involving violence or the threat of violence.
According to Medford Fire-Rescue, violence against public safety officials, specifically firefighters, has been on the rise. “In April of last year, a firefighter was shot and killed at a medical call in Maryland, and in January of last year a firefighter was shot and killed in Arkansas. Closer to home, last year Medford Fire-Rescue firefighters were fired upon while responding to a structure fire in Central Point. Fortunately, no firefighters were injured in that incident.”
MFR said the vests were purchased through a partnership with the City of Medford.
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