Earlier, we told you about the ambush of firefighters leaving several dead as of last reporting.
BREAKING
— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) June 29, 2025
Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office in Northern Idaho reporting an active shooter incident.
Fire department says multiple firefighters shot and injured while responding to incident in Coeur d'Alene pic.twitter.com/xBmjJSAwYn
As a parent of a firefighter/paramedic, my greatest fears aren't the flames my son faces but the dangers he can't control. A distracted driver crashing into him at an accident scene or a malicious individual luring first responders into a trap by faking a 911 emergency terrifies me more than any fire. My son is highly trained, skilled, and supported by his dedicated brothers and sisters in the service during fire calls. But no amount of training can shield him from reckless drivers or ambushes. Firefighters and paramedics deserve the right to carry weapons for self-defense, ensuring they aren't defenseless against these unpredictable threats.
Everyone knows that firefighters don't carry.
— jen (@jennaluhoo) June 29, 2025
This is why they are exceptionally exposed. Something has to change.
Arm the firefighters.
— ً (@silver55962) June 29, 2025
If some of them are always carrying, they could wipe out who's shooting at them. https://t.co/bKNpDZneKd
This is the only answer. It is unfair to continue to send them into unknown environments with no way to protect themselves.
Can somebody please make me understand why this would happen? Everyone knows that firefighters do not carry guns. Makes absolutely no sense.
— JustCindy (@mcgriff100) June 29, 2025
Sick people know this and regard firefighters as agents of the state. They believe a way to get back 'at the man' is to harm government officials.
This is why Florida just passed a law allowing EMT’s and first responders who are concealed carry holders to be armed on calls. https://t.co/5rCZnVwgDn
— Cam Edwards (@CamEdwards) June 15, 2019
Good news is some places in Florida do allow their firefighters and EMS personnel to carry weapons. It should be allowed in every state and entity. These heroes deserve it.
I just had a buddy text me and ask if I was authorized to carry when responding to fires. I wondered why he asked me that🤦🏽♂️
— Dr. James Joyce (@drjamesbjoyce) June 29, 2025
Back in the day when I was doing white papers with the NSC folks, we did A LOT of threat scenarios (transnational and domestic). I recall the full details…
In today's unpredictable world, coordinated ambushes could swiftly overwhelm first responders, decimating their ranks in a single area. Firefighters and EMS personnel face unprecedented threats that training alone can't counter. To protect themselves and the communities they serve, these brave men and women must be equipped with the tools and authority to defend against such dangers effectively.
Man is in custody after authorities said he chased first responders with a gun and tried stealing their fire truck after they were called to his home for a medical issue.https://t.co/uBCGMriFTu pic.twitter.com/cpkHWF1GZm
— NYC EMS Watch (@NYCEMSwatch) June 23, 2025
Last week's incident is yet another alarming example of the growing threats facing first responders. These attacks are becoming increasingly common, and we can't delay action any longer. A nationwide initiative to equip firefighters and EMS personnel with the means to protect themselves is urgently needed to ensure their safety and security.
