Due to rising calls for service locally and across the country during hostile situations, including active shooters, Santa Barbara County firefighters will soon be wearing body armor on those specific calls when necessary.
100 bullet proof vests and helmets will be arriving in a purchase made in coordination with a larger order by the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Santa Barbara County has had high-profile active shooter calls in the past.
Among them were a 2002 postal building attack in Goleta and the Elliot Rodger Isla Vista shooting and stabbing spree two years ago.
Both had mass casualties.
The fire department has also been training side by side with Sheriff's Department deputies on emergency responses and rescues during active shooter scenarios.
The aim is to make successful rescues even when a suspect may still be in the area.
