This month, the news was dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc on our communities, our economy, and our first responders. Fire & EMS departments have been scrambling to continue providing services to their communities. Funding has dried up, firefighters & EMS personnel are not getting the necessary protective equipment they need, and whole departments are being shut down due to staffing shortages. Although much of the news this month has been grim, first responders are tough and are getting creative with what they have to continue to respond, save lives, and keep us safe.
Reach out to your local fire department & EMS providers. Call your local and state representatives and demand that firefighters & EMS personnel get the resources and funding they need. Keep all of our first responders in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to work on the front lines and battle an invisible enemy.
Top News Stories:
- Volunteer fire departments see revenue streams drying up
- IAFF: More than 1,600 firefighters nationwide have tested positive for COVID-19
- ‘We are in trouble and we need help:’ Wisconsin fire, EMS leaders unite in plea for funding
- Phoenix fire chief: protective gowns getting ‘hijacked’
- Research suggests wildfire smoke worsens coronavirus risk for firefighters
- IAFC letter to Trump, Congress details 5 fire, EMS needs ahead of next stimulus bill
- COVID-19 & wildland fire: Retired fire chief throws a warning flag
