“It’s been a year.” That was the response from Emporia Fire Chief Jack Taylor as he reflected on his department’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic over the past 12 months.
Taylor, Tuesday’s Newsmaker Guest, says while it has been challenging the Fire Department has managed to navigate the pandemic very efficiently since last March. He says since the pandemic entered the picture, not a single department member has contracted the virus while on duty.
This is no small feat either as both Fire Stations one and two can have upwards of 16 people inside when fully staffed working 24-hour shifts.
Taylor credits the use of social distancing and mask use inside the fire stations and increased information gathering by 911 dispatchers as major tools that have helped to keep firefighters and EMTs safe over the past year. He says the department also received grant funding in 2020 which allowed both stations to make modifications allowing for modified quarantines.
As the pandemic continues, Taylor says the department is continuing to upgrade personal protective equipment on a regular basis and stressing the importance of proper hygiene and vaccinations for all Fire and EMS workers.
You can hear the full interview with Chief Taylor in the KVOE Audio Vault.
