“There are 27 firefighters out with Covid-19 right now and an additional 20 who are out sick. There are 774 firefighters total on staff,” said spokesperson Yasmin Chilton.
As a result, Mayor John Cranley has declared a state of emergency to help appease the shortage. The declaration will allow the city manager to take “any steps necessary” to make sure the fire department is staffed adequately, including canceling vacations and implementing mandatory overtime, Chilton said.
The declaration came at the request of Fire Chief Michael A. Washington Sr., the mayor said in a statement, and states that if the staffing goes unaddressed, it would “substantially undermine” first responders’ readiness levels.
“The rise in cases has created staffing challenges for the fire department; however, public safety and the delivery of basic services remain our top priority,” Cranley said.
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CNN has reached out to the Cincinnati Fire Department for comment.