Join the Ballistic

Vest Campaign!

“These vital pieces of safety protection will increase firefighter safety on the scene of an active shooter and will enable our first responders to save lives”

-Chief Johnson

Our goal is to purchase 20 ballistic vest sets that include a vest, helmet and pouch (shown above in white). Currently, the LFD only has 4 basic ballistic vests (shown above in yellow).

Need for Ballistic Vests

Throughout the year the fire service has evolved to meet the needs of the community. The same can be said for the Lodi Fire Department. Lodi Fire is continuously assessing community risk reduction strategies and as a result of those assessments develop programs, policies, and practices that meet the needs for the risks that are identified. One of those risks identified was active shooter incidents.

It has become a standard practice across America for local police agencies to partner with local fire departments during active shooter incidents. Police Officers and Firefighter partner up as a rescue task force to treat the wounded inside of an active incident. The police officers provide security while the firefighters provide lifesaving emergency medical care.

The Lodi Fire Department Administration has prioritized this operation and recognizes the need to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for our firefighters. This PPE would consist of a ballistic vest and helmet. All fire department first responder would have access to this equipment on each of our engines and truck. This would allow our first responders to quickly respond and deploy during an active shooter incident.

During any trauma the goal for first responders is to get the victim to an operating room within the “golden hour” to ensure the best probability for a positive patient outcome. It is imperative to be able to deploy a rescue task force as expeditiously as possible during active shooter events. Saving lives is the fire departments highest priority. The ability to deploy a rescue task force for these types of event meets that mission.

Fundraising Goal

Our goal is to raise funds to purchase 20 ballistic vests and helmets for the Lodi Fire Department.

A complete set (vest, helmet & pouch) costs $1,500

To make a general donation towards the ballistic vest campaign, click here to pay by credit card or mail a check to:

Lodi Fire Foundation, P.O. Box 898, Woodbridge CA 95258

All donors contributing to this campaign will be recognized in a piece of artwork to be displayed at Fire Station 1.