As COVID-19 cases continue to spike, first responders are not immune to catching the virus. In Gadsden, the fire department is handling staffing shortages as more employees test positive.
Over 20 employees, that's nearly a quarter of the staff, tested positive in the last two weeks. Fortunately, there are no severe cases among those positive as of Thursday, according to Gadsden Fire Chief Wil Reed.
The department is making adjustments to ensure they can still meet the need, mainly through overtime shifts.
"My employees have stepped up and are filling the roles of the absent employees," said Chief Reed. Reed told ABC 33/40 COVID-related calls have gone from just a few a week to nearly seven a day in a short period.