NJ Station Party Exposes Firefighters to COVID-19

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A New Jersey fire department temporarily shut down one of its station after several firefighters were exposed to COVID-19 at an unauthorized holiday party.

The party happened at Verona Fire Department's Station No. 2, Verona Township Manager Matthew Cavallo said in a statement released Sunday. It's not clear when the event happened or how many firefighters were potentially exposed.

Any firefighters possibly been exposed to the virus at the party are being quarantined under guidelines set up by state health officials and the Centers for Disease Control. Firefighters from Station No. 1, as well as nearby communities, are covering shifts and calls so that public safety isn't compromised.

Posted by Township of Verona, NJ - Government on Sunday, December 13, 2020

"The holiday gathering was not authorized by the Township and actions have been taken to ensure similar incidents will not happen in the future," Cavallo stated.

Going forward, the fire department will be working with Cavallo's office, as well as the Verona Office of Emergency Management and the Montclair Health Department to implement a plan to return the agency to full service. This includes eliminating any events and incidents that could run the risk of potential COVID exposure.

"Our utmost concern is always the safety of our residents and the members of this department," Cavallo stated. "With these deliberate steps, residents and businesses will remain safe and protected."

Cavallo's statement did not indicate if any department members would be disciplined for the event.