Here in PA (I'm around the Pittsburgh area). It can varie from Department to department. However it is required in my department. We as well as EMS do fire suppression. So most of us are outfitted with a set of bunker gear. There are a few of our guys who do EMS only and we require at the very least an extrication suite. We require it for all Fire responces and MVC's. I agree with you. Wackers are wackers. But it's all about protecting ourselves