Public safety officials discuss COVID-19 impact on first responders - KSTP

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According to New, since the beginning of November, 19 staff members have been impacted by the virus. He said this has resulted in changes to work schedules for officers, as well as changes in their roles.

He added that it has impacted how new staff members are trained.

New also said the concern of community spread goes beyond their roles with the department.

"Every day a police officer goes to work, just as medical providers, the paramedics and firefighters, we all risk bringing that virus home to our families and it creates stressors at home," New said.

Jay Wood, a longtime volunteer with the Plato Fire Department, said the virus also hurt his department's ability to do its job.

"Just like we preach about fire safety, one little spark can cause a fire, and that's exactly what happened to us," Wood said.

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After three-fourths of the department was affected by COVID-19, either testing positive or needing to quarantine, the chief took the department out of service. The department had to rely on its mutual aid agreements with other departments. Wood said the department has since returned to full service.

"We are not alone as a small department of dealing with the virus and the staffing issues it has presented us," Wood said.

Ross Chavez, a paramedic in the Twin Cities, also spoke about the fatigue those in the profession face.

"It's challenging at best and unsustainable at worst," he said.

Ross said he and his colleagues are often asked by the public what they can do to help. He said he responds by asking them to follow the advice of public health experts.

"Following these guidelines will help us stay healthy so we can respond to the emergencies of our communities in a timely fashion," Chavez said.