Rural Metro firefighters share old hose in hopes of helping school safety

PIMA COUNTY, AZ (Tucson News Now) - For parents like Jesus Valenzuela, one thing remains a top priority after the most recent school shooting in Texas.

"It's been happening a lot. It's concerning, we've been seeing it more and more," he explained. "I do think schools need to be safer."

It's how many parents continue to feel, and why Rural Metro Fire decided to step up with a small solution.

"I can't even fathom the idea of having a serious emergency at one of our local schools," Captain John Sims said.

The department followed in the footsteps of Glendale Fire, on the heels of a nationwide trend. Firefighters have started using their old fire hose as a means to stop a possible threat.

"This is a really great use for something we probably would have thrown away," Sims said.

A small piece of fire hose goes a long way, when slipped over certain kinds of doors, it makes it harder for someone to get in.

Sims said the goal is slowing down someone who could harm students.

"Anything we can do to put it in their way and slow them down is going to help."

Captain Sims told Tucson News Now he knows it may not be the end-all solution, but it's one he says may work for now.

It's a safety effort parents like Valenzuela can appreciate.

"I'm glad they're doing something... you know somebody cares about it," Valenzuela said.

Rural Metro plans to distribute the sleeves out to schools in their area, and hope to get other local fire departments involved as well.

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