By EMS1 Staff
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia legislators are considering a bill permitting firefighters and EMS providers to carry firearms while on duty.
House representatives approved the bill this week, and it will make its way to the Senate.
The bill would allow first responders, other than police officers, to carry firearms while on duty under the condition they complete firearms training. They will also be required to earn certification equivalent to what state police must have, reported the Herald-Dispatch.
“We’ve got situations where we’re sending first responders into drug houses and areas of danger, particularly with overdoses,” legislator Chad Lovejoy said. “Right now, we don’t let them defend or protect themselves.”
Once responders complete the firearms training, they may seek reimbursement of the costs from their department.