While the cornavirus pandemic has put a pinch on the nation’s economy and tasked its healthcare system, it’s also causing other challenges, including staffing and training for current and future firefighters.
Missoula Fire Chief Jeff Brandt described the past fiscal year as challenging and said the department may struggle with staffing issues over the coming weeks and months. “The COVID-19 impact that hit us in the fire department has been very significant,” he said. “But as of Monday, we’re back to full staffing. We have a very health workforce and a very motivated workforce that got us through the last couple months.”
Five Missoula firefighters tested positive for COVID-19 in June, and while the department was able to cover the shifts, hardly missing a step, the virus had an impact and it’s not likely over.