First responders across the state are asking South Carolina lawmakers to amend a law that prohibits them from carrying handguns to emergency scenes. "It all boils down to safety," Duncan Chapel fire chief Russell Watson said. Watson said firefighters often encounter dangerous situations involving people. "Things get heated sometimes. There could be a drug lab or something that we don't know about," he said. A bill in the Legislature would give firefighters and other first responders, including EMTs, the legal right to arm themselves while responding to emergencies. Officials stressed that handguns would be used for self-defense purposes only. "This would be for defensive-use. We would not in any way try to usurp law enforcement's role," fire commissioner Roy Harmon said. The Duncan Chapel Fire Department currently allows employees to carry handguns while at the fire station. Watch his story at 4 and 5 p.m. on WYFF News 4.

First responders across the state are asking South Carolina lawmakers to amend a law that prohibits them from carrying handguns to emergency scenes.

"It all boils down to safety," Duncan Chapel fire chief Russell Watson said.


Watson said firefighters often encounter dangerous situations involving people.

"Things get heated sometimes. There could be a drug lab or something that we don't know about," he said.

A bill in the Legislature would give firefighters and other first responders, including EMTs, the legal right to arm themselves while responding to emergencies.

Officials stressed that handguns would be used for self-defense purposes only.

"This would be for defensive-use. We would not in any way try to usurp law enforcement's role," fire commissioner Roy Harmon said.



The Duncan Chapel Fire Department currently allows employees to carry handguns while at the fire station.

Watch his story at 4 and 5 p.m. on WYFF News 4.



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