Central Texas Fresno Fire Departments Equip First Responders New Ballistic Vests

In Austin, the nonprofit Central Texas Public Safety Commission raised private funds to buy new ballistic vests for Austin Fire Department and Austin-Travis County EMS, an upgrade officials announced at City Hall to protect first responders amid rising violence. The replacement vests — the same model used by Austin PD — are 5–10 pounds lighter, more breathable, less bulky and replace aging, near-expiration gear that has hindered crews; ATCEMS reported more than 14,000 hours in which medics wore ballistics vests last year. Fire Chief Joel Baker said the donation helps ease pressure on a city facing a significant budget shortfall by allowing limited budget dollars to go toward trucks, ambulances and other needs. In Fresno, city leaders approved a city-funded rollout (about $128,000 allocated) of ballistic helmets and vests so every engine has protection for its personnel, a move framed as following national trends and prompted by concerns about active‑shooter and ambush-style attacks. Officials in both cities said the gear not only improves firefighter and medic safety but also enhances their ability to enter dangerous scenes and rescue or treat victims.