Firefighters, EMS crews to soon have bulletproof vests

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Firefighters and paramedics in Austin will soon have their own bulletproof vests.

On Wednesday, the Central Texas Public Safety Commission will announce new funds for the vests. The city of Austin said it will protect those first responders when they are called to emergencies involving guns.

The event will happen from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second St., according to a news release from CTPSC.

“The Central Texas Public Safety Commission’s efforts to raise awareness about this equipment disparity and the generosity of those who donated are directly contributing to a state of readiness that will allow Austin fire personnel to respond to scenes where there is an active threat and to continue rendering aid on scenes in which a threat suddenly materializes,” said Austin Fire Chief Joel Baker in the release.

The funding is coming from private donations and was gathered after the commission found out some agencies didn’t have vests for their staff.

“Our first responders put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect and care for our community,” said Ashley Copeland, chief operating officer of CTPSC, in a news release Monday. “These vests are a tangible way for CTPSC to support our first responders’ safety and show our deep appreciation for their service.”