STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — An outbreak of COVID-19 among firefighters in Stevens Point has led the city’s Police and Fire Commission to declare a state of emergency.
Commission Chair Gary Wescott says that means leadership in the department can do whatever they see is necessary to keep residents and their property protected. “It’s now a complete smorgasbord of options that are on the table for the Commission and its Fire Chief.”
That could mean moving Firefighters around, changing schedules, canceling paid leave, or bringing in mutual aid from an outside department that has an agreement with the city.
It’s a move the Commission has been discussing since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Wisconsin but was hoping they wouldn’t have to use. “We’ve had monthly COVID-19 discussions on the Police and Fire Commission agendas to study where we may need to go and how we would respond.
“We wanted to make sure that in working with our Chiefs and the fine men and women [of this department] that we are prepared,” he added.
Wescott also assured residents that this doesn’t mean their level of protection will go down over the next few weeks. “This community is incredibly well-served by a team of professional firefighters and paramedics. They will rally together to overcome this obstacle.”
According to Wescott, 14 of the city’s firefighters are either being treated for COVID-19 or in isolation due to potential exposure. He adds the situation is another reminder to everyone to take steps to protect yourself and those around you.
“We’re praying for the quick, safe recovery of our firefighters. We’re grateful for their service to this community. We’re asking that the community, please, follow the CDC guidelines to protect yourself and the community.”
The state of emergency will be evaluated weekly and is set to run until the department can get back up to full strength.
