Comments on: First Responder Gear Sold At Auction Despite Terrorism Concern

By: Kim

Kim — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 22:37:38 +0000

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….

By: Lil g

Lil g — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 18:34:57 +0000

“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.!?

By: GLRP007

GLRP007 — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 16:48:32 +0000

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.

By: John

John — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 19:35:43 +0000

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.

By: Roger

Roger — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 19:16:37 +0000

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?

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:15:29 +0000

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.

By: Gary B

Gary B — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:24:39 +0000

I agree with Lil G. Let smaller agencies take that gear and put it to use.

By: Keith

Keith — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:16:24 +0000

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.

By: Lil g

Lil g — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:40:45 +0000

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