Bonita fire commissioners to discuss arming firefighters

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BONITA SPRINGS, Fla.- One Bonita Springs fire commissioner is proposing firefighters carry military-grade weapons on fire trucks.

Commissioner Fred Forbes says he got the idea after seeing all the recent violence against first responders.

He says something needs to be done to protect our firefighters. He also wants them to have access to body armor for dangerous situations.

But Fire Chief Joe Daigle says he’s not so sure about the idea, and needs to do more research. He says, “the idea is astronomical, you are talking about firefighters carrying firearms. I would have to do some investigation to find out exactly if it would add any enhanced protection to our firefighters.”

People who live in the area have mixed reactions to the proposal.

Fire commissioners will discuss it at Monday’s board meeting at 5 p.m. at Bonita Springs fire station #4.

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