Sarasota County firefighter tests positive for coronavirus
A Sarasota County firefighter who began showing symptoms of COVID-19 during his shift Sunday, has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to the department.
That firefighter has seen been home under quarantine, Fire Chief Michael Regnier said during a press conference held outside the county’s administration building and streamed online.
“He is ill,” Regnier said. “My heart goes out to him. I am very concerned and want to make sure that he is OK. He is part of our family.”
As part of new COVID-19 protocols, the firefighter had passed the required daily temperature check before entering Station 7, 4754 17th St., for his shift on Sunday morning. During his shift, however, he began to feel sick and developed a fever so he notified department personnel and went home.
He had been on-duty for about 12 hours before that occurred. He was the acting lieutenant supervisor on an engine during that shift, although he often rides on ambulance as a cross-trained firefighter/paramedic.
Out of an abundance of caution, the department has placed the three firefighter he was in close contact with under quarantine, although none are currently showing any symptoms. The fire station, ambulance and fire engine are currently being disinfected.
The department has 31 other firefighters who are currently self-quarantined because of travel and various levels of exposure, according to Regnier.
“We knew something like this was going to happen with our first responders in Sarasota County,” he said.
That firefighter had been on vacation for about a month prior to that shift, which eliminated any additional exposure. Firefighters assigned to Station 7 are currently working out of another station until the cleaning of Station 7 is complete.
The firefighter is his 30’s and does not live in Sarasota County, officials said.
This story was originally published March 27, 2020 at 3:01 PM.
