The Texas State Association of Fire Fighters (TSAFF) filed a lawsuit in Travis County, Texas, against the state’s governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS. The lawsuit alleges that Governor Abbott and DPS have failed to provide adequate protection for firefighters and other first responders during protests.
The filing comes after several incidents involving protesters clashing with police, including a shooting in Austin on July 25. Firefighters were called to the scene to attend to wounded individuals but were unable to do so due to safety concerns. The lawsuit states that firefighters are being put at risk while performing their duties and that the state has a constitutional duty to protect them.
TSAFF is seeking an injunction ordering the governor and DPS to provide adequate protection for first responders during protests, including the establishment of safety zones where emergency services can operate without fear of violence. The lawsuit also requests that the court require the state to develop and implement policies and procedures for protecting firefighters and other first responders during emergencies.
In a statement, TSAFF President John Riddle expressed concern about the increasing danger faced by firefighters while attending to emergencies during protests: “Our members are being put at risk while trying to do their jobs, and we can’t stand idly by while they are put in harm’s way.