The term “first responder” takes on a new meaning during a pandemic.
Although 911 calls have generally been down the last couple of weeks, Fauquier County’s 350 volunteers and 127 career rescue workers are alert to the threat COVID-19 poses. Darren Stevens, chief of the Department of Fire Rescue & Emergency Management for Fauquier County, said, “Generally, people are OK. Some are expressing fears of taking it home to families. And social distancing is challenging for everyone to adjust to.”
Stevens said that the rising presence of COVID-19 in the county has changed some DFREM protocols as local fire and rescue departments try to keep staffers safe. He said that policy and procedures are being adjusted daily, based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, Virginia Department of Health and other experts. “We communicate weekly with our regional partners to keep current on best practices,” he said.