At an emergency meeting to discuss the rise in coronavirus cases among East Greenwich firefighters on Wednesday night, Fire Chief Bernie Patenaude announced that four North Kingstown firefighters with a North Kingstown engine and rescue would temporarily staff Station 2.
The decision comes after 23 East Greenwich firefighters tested positive for COVID-19 as of Wednesday, experiencing a range of mild and moderate symptoms and being forced to quarantine for two weeks, leaving only eight who are eligible to work.
"East Greenwich is a small town and many in our community know our firefighters on a first-name basis," said Councilor Mark Schwager at the emergency meeting. "I want our firefighters to know that they have the support and the good wishes of our community and we wish them a speedy recovery."