A city fire station that closed Saturday reopened Sunday because it had enough firefighters to do so.
Acting Fire Chief Al Lucas said that the Truck Company 4 station on North Main Avenue was “browned out,” a temporary decision made day-by-day based on available personnel. The city did it Saturday at Truck 4 to practice social distancing, a tactic to prevent spreading COVID-19, and avoid calling in crews from multiple shifts.
The chief expects the disease will affect emergency workers, either requiring that they self-quarantine or leave work to care for family members. Federal guidelines recommend preparing for up to 40% of personnel being out, he said.
Firefighter union President Jim Sable said he was frustrated with city administrators because his members have offered to give up vacation days, time off and work overtime to keep stations open, he said.
He also said they’d self-monitor, and send home any member who shows symptoms.