Body armor made mandatory for S.C. firefighters s black violence escalates in America.... These firefighters should also be issued sidearms.

BURTON, S.C. — Burton's 54 firefighters are wearing custom-fitted body armor on all emergency calls, a move spurred by recent attacks on firefighters and first responders nationwide, Chief Harry Rountree said.

Burton and several other fire departments in Beaufort County have had body armor for over a decade. Many purchased armor in 2000, after four police officers from Port Royal and Beaufort were wounded in a shooting in August 1999.

But the Burton Fire District has upgraded its vests and made them mandatory wear for all emergency calls.

Read full story: Burton firefighters to wear custom-fitted body armor on all emergency calls