There are no flames to spray water on. There is no criminal to handcuff.
In an unassuming, out-of-the-way building near Spokane Community College, scores of elected leaders, emergency responders and public health officials coordinate their response to the crisis facing Spokane County.
But in the Emergency Coordination Center, the current challenge is unlike any its leaders have ever taken on before.
“Let’s face it, we usually have something to go out and fix. Knock that fire down. Deal with the snow event, the earthquake,” said Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich. “Most of us are law enforcement, firefighters... now we’re coordinating an effort of a public health emergency and an economic emergency.”
The task is two-pronged, to address the increasing public health crisis presented by COVID-19 and the economic fallout caused by tight restrictions needed to limit the virus’ spread.