The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) today said it will take heroism in Congress to save fire and EMS in communities across the country. Legal and regulatory minutiae prevent CARES Act money from immediately helping firefighters protect their communities and themselves during the current COVID-19 crisis.
- PUB DATE: 4/27/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: IAFC.org

The new coronavirus doesn't care about a blue uniform or a shiny badge. Police, firefighters, paramedics and corrections officers are just a 911 call away from contracting COVID-19 and spreading it. With N95 masks hanging off their duty belts and disposable blue gloves stuffed in their back pockets, they respond to radio calls, make arrests and manage prisoners.
- PUB DATE: 4/27/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Stamford Advocate

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released additional symptoms related to novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Health officials recommend those experiencing any of these symptoms contact their physician or the local health department. Previously, guidance from state and federal health officials cautioned people not to call unless experiencing the three traditional symptoms of COVID-19.
- PUB DATE: 4/27/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Clarksville Now

Coronavirus risk and ongoing shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) are leading fire departments around the region to rediscover the enduring truth of the idiom, "Necessity is the mother of invention." Since the virus epidemic emerged in the Pacific Northwest, the fire service has changed tactics, improvised and resorted to creativity to keep first responders healthy and available to serve the public.
- PUB DATE: 4/27/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KUOW.org

With training facilities around the state shut down by the coronavirus, Bremerton's four newest firefighters will hone their skills a little closer to home this year. Traditionally, Bremerton Fire Department's new recruits are sent to Bates Technical College in Tacoma – one of three fire academies in Western Washington – for 12 weeks of training.
- PUB DATE: 4/27/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Kitsap Sun