WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - Wilmington's fire chief says he has begun carrying a firearm to protect himself after taking on more code enforcement duties.
Fire Chief Anthony Goode says he has been carrying a gun for about a month. He says firefighters are always in dangerous situations and don't know what they're walking into.
Goode has been involved in cracking down on three makeshift clubs run by the Thunderguards Motorcycle Club.
The city's fire marshals also carry weapons. Goode says his decision to carry a firearm won't lead to all Wilmington firefighters being armed.
But firefighters have faced dangers beyond flames. In December, a gunman shot and killed two firefighters responding to a blaze in upstate New York. Last month, a gunman in suburban Atlanta took several firefighters hostage.
