A month after losing one of their own to COVID-19, the Kansas City Fire Department has become one of the first in the country to make antibody tests available to all of its employees.
“It’s really just about accessing how many of our employees have been asymptomatic and potentially have had the virus,” KCFD Chief Donna Maize said.
Every department employee will be offered four tests over a six-month period. Each set will cost about $60 per person.
Along with the antibody testing, KCFD said it will also begin offering coronavirus tests as well.
“I’m just glad to see that they’re willing to protect us and protect the city as well,” KCFD EMT Calvin Summers said.
“There’s so many unknowns right now with COVID-19. We’re learning more every day,” KCFD Assistant Chief Jimmy Walker said.
IAFF Local 42 President Tim Dupin said they hope to start the first round of testing in a couple weeks.