A safety device Wescott fire officials say is long over-due is coming to the district as a direct result of the shootings at New Life Church. The firefighters will armor-up for some emergency calls in the future.

Five men with Wescott Fire received medals of valor for rushing into chaos at New Life Church during a gunman's siege nearly as unprotected as the victims they had to help.

"It's just not something we wear," said Wescott Fire Chief Jeffrey Edwards.

Standard gear firefighters put on to answer a call include their heavy duty clothing, but Edwards will soon add six sets of body armor to the list.

"We need to do everything to protect our firefighters in the line of work," he said.

The attack at New Life Church highlights a threat to fire fighters.

Normally the first to a scene to provide medical assistance, fire crews and EMT's are vulnerable in hostile situations that can happen anywhere.

"It could be the school right across from us," Edwards said.

Along with using the tactical vests, Wescott fire fighters will train with local SWAT teams to co-ordinate rescues from an active crime scene.

"It's my understanding they're pretty excited about doing this training and looking forward to having that extra protection," said Edwards.

Edwards said his fighters are used to carrying a lot of gear. The new stuff might take some getting used to, but as danger continues to go beyond fighting fires, it will soon be as natural as putting on the uniform itself.

There will be enough vests to cover a crew of three fire fighters and two EMT's with one spare.

Wescott is the latest in line to equip with body armor. In some emergency situations, Colorado Springs’ fire fighters also wear body armor. Tri-Lakes, in Monument has been using it for about eight months.

Wescott's gear will arrive sometime in mid-February.