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Okla. EMS agency equipped with body armor

The agency added 30 ballistic vests, which has been a months-long process for Bryan County EMS

By EMS1 Staff

DURANT, Okla. — An EMS agency added 30 ballistic vests to its protective gear arsenal for personnel this week.

Equipping personnel with body armor has been a months-long process for Bryan County EMS. The agency initially received six vests October 2016 from a grant, and continued to raise money to order more.

A local church also helped the agency raise funds for the vests, reported KXII.

“I think you always run the risk of not only putting your life on the line because of certain situations but you also run the risk because of a target in the day and age we live in today,” pastor Zach Backues said of first responders.

The agency’s deputy director, Brian Norton, said the vests will provide peace of mind while responding to calls.

The agency’s personnel will also undergo active shooter training with local law enforcement throughout the year.