Firefighters are typically the first to help in emergency situations, but sometimes the calls they respond to can turn violent.  That’s why the Reno Fire Department is training all firefighters in self defense and situational awareness. Ben Brown is a Reno Firefighter, he spoke to our news partner KOLO 8

The department says in the last month they’ve had at least 18 calls turn violent. According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2016 3,500 first responders went to the emergency room because of violent calls. Brown says those numbers are likely under-reported.