During the pandemic, the LFD is only running emergencies.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Firefighters and First Responders with the La Follette Fire Department, like a family, are taking every reasonable step to stay safe and healthy durng the COVID-19 pandemic.  After all, a city is depending upon them. “We’re still here, but we’re keeping a low profile all the while keeping everybody healthy,” said LFD Fire Chief Jimmy Pack.  At the moment, LFD is on a call by call basis as calls have slowed, and emergencies are about all that’s being run, according to the chief.

Medical protocol has been adjusted with crew members now wearing N95 masks for basic contact.  Pack said, ‘We’ve always gloved up, and we continue normal procedures like sanitizing our units after every call.  Not too much has changed except the addition of the masks.  Though we do take a second look at everything now.”

Firefighters and First Responders are keeping their distance.  “We are using all three fire houses to keep a safe distance, and we’re encouraging everybody to prepare their meals in house rather than going out for food.  When needed, we just drop off supplies at each fire station,” said Pack.

Other precautionary steps have been taken like placing all training temporarily on hold along with the department’s smoke detector program.  Pack said that will all eventually start back.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/24/2020-6AM)