DARLINGTON, SC (WBTW) – The Darlington City Fire Department has invested in ballistic shields to better protect firefighters when they respond to every call.
Ballistic shields are similar to bulletproof vests. But ballistic shields cover only the vital organs (the heart and lungs) while bulletproof vests cover the vital organs as well as the kidneys and intestines.
Firefighters are wearing these ballistic plates as an extra layer of protection. After current events in the country, such as an uptick in mass shootings, firefighters say they never know when a call will escalate to an active shooter situation.
“It’s a reality that we’ve all had to come to deal with. Times are changing. We must adapt to it or we will become a casualty if we don’t,” said Chief Patrick Cavanaugh.
Chief Cavanaugh says firefighters have been training for any possible scenario. That includes if a domestic violence call escalates or a second shooter opens fire at the scene as crews respond. He also says, although it’s rare, it’s possible that a fire could turn into an active shooter situation, which happened in Darlington County about 10 years ago.
“It’s definitely getting kinda crazy. We just want to make sure our guys are better protected responding to these calls. Bring them home safe,” said Captain Andrew Rheuark.
And while the shields add an extra 40 pounds to their gear, firefighters say it can be tough, but it’s worth it to save a life.
The department has spent about $4,000 for these ballistic plates. Right now, they have 8 of them, for $500 a piece. Cavanaugh says the department hopes to buy more in the near future.