BAINBRIDGE, Ohio — The Bainbridge Fire Department in Ross County has acquired new ballistic protection vests, strengthening safety for first responders serving south central Ohio communities.
The department announced the purchase on May 20, 2026, noting that the vests were funded in part by a grant from the Public Entities Pool (PEP) of Ohio. Each vest includes an Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK), a compact medical pack designed for immediate trauma care, such as hemorrhage control, in the field before further medical support arrives.
“This critical investment in personnel safety ensures that our first responders are better protected while serving the community in increasingly complex emergency environments,” the department stated in its announcement.
The equipment supports the formal establishment of the department’s Rescue Task Force (RTF). An RTF consists of specially trained firefighters and EMS providers equipped with ballistic protection. These teams can enter “warm zones”, areas where a threat has been partially mitigated but not fully secured, alongside law enforcement. This approach allows for faster medical treatment and stabilization of victims in volatile or high-threat situations.
The department emphasized that resident and responder safety remains the top priority. By implementing the RTF model and providing protective gear, it aims to improve outcomes during active-threat incidents. All three of the department’s ambulances will also be fully equipped with the new gear.
Context on RTF Programs in Ohio
Rescue Task Force models have gained adoption across Ohio and the nation following reviews of active shooter and mass casualty incidents. Ohio offers training resources, such as the Rescue Task Force Awareness Course through the state EMS division, which prepares teams for integrated law enforcement and medical responses in warm zones.
Federal guidance from the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA has supported the use of grant funding for ballistic protective equipment for fire and EMS personnel in active shooter responses since at least 2014. This aligns with broader efforts to reduce response delays for medical care in high-risk environments.
The Public Entities Pool of Ohio provides risk management support and small grants to member political subdivisions, including fire departments, for safety initiatives.
Bainbridge, a village in Ross County with a population of around 765, is served by this department, which handles fire, EMS, and rescue operations in the region.
This development reflects ongoing efforts by small and rural fire departments in south central Ohio to prepare for evolving threats while maintaining high standards of community service.
