HB 435 passed, took effect on 1 Sep. 2017

Says several times "volunteer" emergency services are allowed, as licensed to carry holders to carry, and if needed discharge their firearm in self defense. That's great, but the Legislature left out those of us that are career Fire/EMS.

https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/85R/billtext/html/HB00435I.htm

Sent this, we will see.


Mr.Estes,

My name is ******. I am a Firefighter/Paramedic for the ********, Texas fire department. I have held a license to carry for more than ten years, and I exercise that right every day I am off duty, as it is prohibited, via departmental policy, for me to conceal carry a firearm while on duty. Our city is 100% urban, existing in *******and****** counties. I am in more need to conceal carry a firearm while on duty, than I am off duty, and spending my time in rural Collin and Fannin counties, yet I am not allowed to. I have read HB 435, and it clearly states "volunteer" emergency services. I am happy for volunteers having their rights acknowledged, and very disappointed that those of us that are career emergency services have not had our rights acknowledged. Of course, I am friends with many members of the ******** Police Department, as we answer calls together every day. Those that I have spoken with about this are all in complete agreement that we should be armed, as they know that they get overwhelmed with calls and may be delayed in coming to our aid. I ask that a bill be proposed mirroring HB 435 but addresses those of us that are career emergency services, Fire and EMS.

Respectfully,

****** ******
Firefighter/Paramedic

Aren’t there already implied immunity laws that apply to fire/ems?

Depends on the situation.

However, up until 2008 our S.O.G. manual forbid firearms in the station, and in personal vehicles on city property. Once the legislature extended the Castle Law to your vehicle the Fire Chief had no choice but to remove that part of the wording from the S.O.G. I have found that most of us on duty, answering calls, want at least some of us armed. I have not found a Fire Chief in Texas that has been vocal in agreeing with that. If a bill was passed, they would no longer have the choice to out-right forbid it, with punative consequences. I also would offer, and encourage scheduled practice to any of us carrying. I have a range, come use it!

Hope the state officials see the legitimacy of your request fireman. Stay safe.

That makes no sense, I understand where you are coming from. Some of this had to change over the last couple years, it is against state law to forbid carry in city and county buildings. But they can certainly ban employees from carrying. I hope that it gets straightened out. Congratulations for having the courage to stand up for what you and your brotherhood believe in.

Thanks to everyone.

It certainly wouldn't hurt if yall took 5 minutes and wrote an e-mail to your representatives. Thousands of us would greatly appreciate it.

Done and done. 3 nephews and one BIL are all FF/paramedic. Be careful JG. Y'all are appreciated more than you know.

We thank you ma'am!