Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
COLFAX — The City Council committed Monday night to extend up to $10,000 to the Fire Department for an emergency staffing fund to cover another daytime shift to help with an increase in calls due to COVID-19.
“We’re being stretched pretty thin,” said Fire Department Officer-in-Charge Jake Smith. “We’ve made do, but we’re getting our butt kicked.”
Smith reported the department received 115 calls in December.
“That’s a very busy month,” he said. “More than doubled our call volume from November.”
An estimated 80% of department calls are medical.
The increase in December calls were predominantly to transport a sick person with flu-like symptoms.
That requires responders to arrive in Level III protection, from a jumpsuit to N-95 mask and face shield due to coronavirus concerns.
City Councilman Jim Kackman asked about paying for the shift from the city’s COVID-19 funds.
City Administrator Chris Mathis answered more is being sought.
The Fire Department received CARES Act funding in 2020, which was not permitted to be spent on staffing.
“If he’s understaffed, that’s critical,” Councilman Mark Mackleit said.
Smith originally requested $3,000, which would cover 14 days of adding a 10-hour daytime shift, such as 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This would “double-staff” the department during the day, going from one firefighter/EMT on duty to two.
The city funding would likely come from reserves, Mayor Jim Retzer said, noting if no more applicable virus funding comes from state or federal sources.
The Fire Department has three full-time firefighters and the rest volunteers.
“Our volunteers are not necessarily available during the day,” Smith said.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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