NOTE: Legislation in regards to the sale of Police, Fire, Emergency and First Responder Gear, should be a top priority at the local, state and national level. Laws governing the sale of these items doesn’t need to be something we look back upon and say should have been implemented. If you’re a lawmaker interested in introducing this legislation, contact us.
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Putting surplus equipment up for auction is a practice governments have done for decades. At times, the auctions can include uniforms, gear and other equipment used by police, fire and EMS departments. One such auction last week in the Nation’s Capital was brought to the attention of STATter911.com. It has us asking area officials how their surplus gear disposal policies fit in with their concerns about terrorism.
In recent years, terrorism expert have pointed out the next attack on U.S. soil could come from someone posing as a first responder. DC Fire & EMS Department Assistant Chief Larry Schultz expressed similar worries as he ran the department’s efforts for the Inauguration in January.
At the time Chief Schultz told Jamie Thompson of FireRescue1.com, “Look at terrorist attacks around the world and you’re seeing the increasing use of people wearing public safety uniforms and stealing ambulances and police cars to deliver explosive devices.”
If that’s the case then why does the District of Columbia still sell its surplus fire gear at public auction?
The website Liquidation.com shows the auction that opened on February 20 and closed on February 26 of a “huge lot of police/fire department uniforms and clothing”. The items, including fire helmets, boots and coats, were advertised as being from the Government of the District of Columbia, Personal Property Division, Surplus Property Auction.
DC Fire & EMS Department spokesman Alan Etter tells 9NEWS NOW the auction of surplus material has long been done by the DC government. Etter says the department has some concerns the fire gear is being disposed of this way, but that the intent is not to aid criminal actions.
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Rather than the surplus gear being sold to the public, why isn’t the gear being donated/sold to local/rural EMS/FIRE or LAW agencies that need new gear??? Better than the gear ending up possibly on a potential terrorist
As a former First Responder I can tell you that this is a HUGE issue. While I wont get into specifics, there are cases where terrorists or suspected terrorists have had first responder gear. As you state in your note, this MUST be addressed through laws at the local, state and national level.
I agree with Lil G. Let smaller agencies take that gear and put it to use.
Unfortunately, a lot of the laws on the books now say that government surplus MUST be sold at action or sealed bid. And, there are even some laws that prohibit donation to another agency.
If this is not corrected IMMEDIATELY this will be another case of closing the barn door after the horse gets out. I’d like to know where the common sense is concerning these types of situations. It sends chills down my spine just thinking of the way uniforms and gear can be used against us. Federal, State and Local officials should have been way out in front of this. What are they thinking about?
I agree some type of precaution should be taken to keep this gear out of normal circulation. I am for donating to depts that cant afford it. Will save taxpayers $$$ and be of great value to the recipients.
It’s time for Federal, State and Local officials to bring in those laws covering the dispostion of surplus gear and revamp those laws in a way that will “prevent” unauthorized personnel/groups in obtaining these items. Get this started, go to your elected officials and see what is going on in your own town or city…once the ball starts rolling, perhaps we can put a stop to this situation.
“laws that prohibit donations to another agency” as Scott mentions.I am sorry but that should be B.S. ESPECIALLY in the way the economy is now.Look at the agencies that need new/replabement gear and dont have the funds.!?
Such BS. No-one should ever assume that anyone is what they dress-like anyhow. No professional Security Detail member should ever let anyone posing as someone gain access to the protected area without proper identification. Even if it was illegal to buy certain uniform items and gear the perpetrators would find a way if they wanted to, or just break in and steal it. I’ve worked security for 20 something years and never has anything gone through my gates because it has some blue lights on it and stern lookin men inside it. If I didn’t call you, no way Jose….