The Southwest Iowa Squadron of Heroes wants to equip all Montgomery County Fire and EMS units and/or personnel with Ballistic Vests for tactical medical situations. Red Oak Police Reserve Officer Brad Baker says providing the vests has been a goal of first responders in the County for about four-years, but there’s never been enough in the budget to allow that to happen. Across the nation, firefighters, EMS and first responders have occasionally come under fire while on the scene of a call, bringing the need for ballistic vests into a clearer perspective. Baker says one incident locally, comes to mind.

Baker says in response to the potential threat, in 2017 all Montgomery Co. first responders received the tactical training on how to respond to an active threat/shooter type event.

He says the scenario they used was similar to what happened during a mass casualty event in Columbine, Colorado, where EMS personnel “Staged” near the scene before they could enter.

Baker says they are trying to secure funds to purchase 50 or more Level III protection, Rise Tactical Carrier (RTC) vests, and are working with the military tech supplier to help keep the costs as low as possible, but the initial funds needed amount to $15,000. Any additional or grant support will be used for accessories such as vest id’s, med kits/vest attachments, and, helmets.

The vests will help defend against small arms and rifle fire and bladed weapons, with plates covering the torso, back and sides. Brad Baker says they donations can come in any amount, but one option is to “adopt” a First Responder for a $300 or $150 investment.

The vests will cover the following full- and part-time volunteers:

• Elliott Fire and First Responders
• Grant Fire and First Responders
• Red Oak Fire
• Red Oak Ambulance
• Stanton Fire
• Stanton Ambulance
• Villisca Fire, and
• Villisca EMS.

Baker says 100% of all donations will be applied toward the outfitting of Fire/EMS personnel with protective equipment. Checks are payable to Elk’s Superhero Fund. (Venmo: SuperHeroes-Fund). For more information,call Brad Akers at 712-623-6500, or email recbaker@redoakpolice.com