As mass shootings become more common, more fire departments are using body armor so crews can more quickly reach people in dangerous situations.
East Pierce Fire & Rescue is the latest local agency to order ballistic vests to better protect its firefighters and paramedics.
Tacoma Fire has used the vests since the 1990s, and West Pierce Fire & Rescue ordered them in 2013.
“It is an emerging trend,” said Joe Meineke, spokesman for Tacoma Fire. Read more
