Proposal would allow Georgia firefighters to carry guns

• SWAT team was able to rescue five firefighters hostages and kill the gunman
• Proposed bill would allow firefighters in the state to carry firearms while on duty
• Critics say the bill would cause more problems than it would solve

ATLANTA -- It has been nine months since a man in Gwinnett County lured five firefighters into his home by faking a possible heart attack, and, knowing they were not armed, took them all hostage at gunpoint.

The police SWAT team was able to rescue the firefighters, shooting and killing the gunman.

Some Georgia state legislators believe that incident is key evidence in support of their efforts to authorize firefighters, statewide, to carry their own firepower while out on calls.

Rep. Kevin Cooke, R-Carrollton, introduced a bill Thursday, called House Bill 807, co-signed by several other House members, to permit firefighters to carry firearms while on duty, if they wish, and if they have the permission of their superior officers.

Critics say the bill, if passed into law, would cause more problems than it would solve.

Supporters say the need is ever-present.

"I just think it's overkill," said Sen. Vincent Fort, D-Atlanta. "Of course I'm concerned with (the firefighters') safety. If there's a pattern of situations where firefighters are at risk, then yes. But I don't think we're at that point, now.... When people see firefighters, they're almost always glad to see them coming, because a firefighter means help. Arming firefighters will provide a distraction to their core functions, protecting people and serving the public."

"I think that anybody that has to be in public should be allowed to defend themselves anywhere they go," said Jerry Henry of GeorgiaCarrry.org. "This is a dangerous world. Firefighters are no different.... We have never said that everybody should be armed, we say that everybody should have the right to decide whether they want to be armed, or not.

In Gwinnett County, where the firefighters were taken hostage last year, Fire Chief Casey Snyder stated in an email Thursday that he has no plans to allow his firefighters to arm themselves while they're on duty, even if the legislature passes this bill.

"The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services has no knowledge of the content of House Bill 807 nor did we participate in the writing of the bill. Regardless of the outcome, the department has no plans to change its current procedures. Anyone seeking information should contact the individuals or agencies responsible for the development of the bill."