PROTECT YOUR DNA WITH QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY
Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayFunding approved by the Central Texas Public Safety Commission will outfit all Austin Fire Department and Austin-Travis County EMScrews with upgraded body armor
October 04, 2025 04:00 PM •
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin’s firefighters and EMS crews will soon be fully outfitted with ballistic vests, closing a gap that left only about half of the rigs stocked with body armor.
New funding means every frontline unit will carry the upgraded protection within the next few weeks, CBS Austin reported.
| MORE: Body armor: The new firefighter PPE
The Central Texas Public Safety Commission approved funding to equip every Austin firefighter and paramedic with ballistic vests for gun-violence calls.
“The targeted violence against not just police officers, but firefighters and paramedics is increasing,” Austin/Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said. “It is critical for us to make sure we have the tools for our medics to be safe each and every day.”
“It is invaluable, for sure,” Austin firefighter Danny Vega said. “We are pretty used to wearing gear, heavy gear. So, it is just another piece of equipment we have to wear. We do not mind it; we actually appreciate it.”
Vega’s Engine 1 crew long ranked high-priority for vests, so he is used to the extra 15 pounds and knows every rig needs the same protection.
Austin crews wore ballistic vests for a combined 14,000 hours in 2024, EMS officials report.
Pasadena’s plan calls for additional engines, ambulances and a ladder truck as well as new stations to meet growing demands
October 03, 2025 08:26 AM
On duty but not on a call, Bristol Firefighter/Paramedic Brandon Clawson suffered a medical emergency at the station
October 03, 2025 09:28 AM
·
Cedar City’s mayor said Fire Chief Mike Phillips was burned when a spark fell into jet fuel
October 03, 2025 10:18 AM
·
The new Derry firehouse design adds modern communications, decon and training space to speed response in the southwest area
October 03, 2025 11:56 AM
Combined company will deliver improved network experiences, low prices and new benefits to millions more customers across the U.S.
September 24, 2025 01:35 PM
Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at [email protected].
English (US) · 
French (CA) ·