Coronavirus is likely the most challenging emergency call the Portsmouth Fire Department has ever responded to. The demands of COVID-19 have taken a toll on Portsmouth firefighters and paramedics. 10 On Your Side spoke exclusively with Portsmouth Fire Department Fire Chief Jim Hoffler about how his team is responding to those challenges. Hoffler confirmed that two PFD employees – a firefighter and a paramedic – have tested positive for COVID-19. One of those first responders has been cleared to return to work. The other is at home in self-isolation and monitoring their symptoms. Many of those 30 first responders who were self-isolating were allowed to return to work on March 31 after the patient they helped tested negative for coronavirus.