Firefighters, mayor make plea to community following COVID deaths of 2 KCFD employees
KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) — The Kansas City Fire Department is mourning the loss of two employees who died within the line of responsibility over the weekend, each of COVID-19. The deaths make for a complete of three employees misplaced due to the virus.
Scott Davidson, 45, died Sunday morning. He was a 18-year veteran of the hearth division as a communication specialist and paramedic.
Robert “Bobby” Rocha, 60, died Saturday after 29 years on the division. He was a fireplace captain.
Billy Birmingham, 69, died again in April of the virus after serving an EMT in Kansas City for 22 years.
Fire Chief Donna Lake says all three males had been revered employees who she thought-about pals.
(*2*) Lake stated.
International Association of Firefighters Local 42 President Tim Dupin echoed Chief Lake’s sentiment of good recollections of nice males.
“They gave their lives in service to this city,” Dupin stated.
COVID-19 circumstances are growing at an alarming price. The seven-day common of new circumstances within the Kansas City area stood at 1,282 Sunday. The week earlier than it was 1,078. Two weeks earlier than it was 765.
“Our healthcare workers, your EMS personnel, and your firefighters are exhausted. This virus is taking a toll. Not only a toll on our physical selves, but our behavioral health,” Dupin stated.
KCFD stories it has 73 lively constructive circumstances as of November 22. The division administered roughly 1,200 COVID-19 exams because the starting of the pandemic. 201 employees examined constructive. There is a masks mandate in impact for KCFD.
The Kansas City mayor joined each Chief Lake, and Dupin in calling for the community to honor the lives misplaced by taking precautions not to unfold the virus.
“Please please make sure that you are part of our defense against COVID-19,” Mayor Quinton Lucas stated.
“We ask you and the citizens of Kansas City to help us help you. Wear a mask. Protect your families with social distancing. And honor the rest of us and your healthcare workers by doing so,” Dupin stated.
Mayor Lucas additionally urged folks to cancel or postpone giant Thanksgiving get-togethers, urging folks to maintain their contact with others to their very own family or a gaggle of lower than 10 folks.
Pete Knudsen, secretary and treasurer for the native chiefs and officers union, additionally desires to urge folks to take precaution.
“This is a time to be vigilant. It’s not a time to let our guard down,” he stated.
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