PA Firefighters No Longer Holding Parades During Pandemic

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The Pottsville Fire Department will not put on any more parades during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a prepared statement Thursday, Fire Chief James Misstishin said there has been an increase in requests for fire trucks to drive by homes, hospitals, nursing homes and food stores for birthdays, anniversaries and a variety of other tributes. However, bringing the firefighters out for these events increases their risk of exposure to the virus.

“Our ultimate responsibility is to protect life and property in our community,” Misstishin said. “The only way we can meet that obligation is by keeping our brave volunteers healthy, safe and able to answer the many calls for service that we receive from city residents, businesses and our Mutual Aid partners in Schuylkill County.

“Due to our close quarters in fire apparatus and while working on a scene, it is vital that we exercise extreme caution at all times. This includes social distancing as appropriate, and reducing or eliminating non-essential details that can put volunteers at risk.”

Thus far, the department has been able to stay at full staff and answer every call. Misstishin said it has invested in extra personal protective equipment for firefighters, put new directives in place for responses, decontamination for the firefighters, equipment and the apparatus. They have postponed weekly training and meetings, or held them virtually.

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