The Heber-Overgaard Fire District issued a press release at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, that seven staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. Six of the positive cases are firefighters and one case is administrative personnel.
“As cases of the coronavirus continue to increase in Navajo County, some public safety agencies have been impacted more than others,” states the press release. “Local agencies are working diligently to maintain staffing levels for public safety while navigating the rapidly changing guidance protocols from local, state and federal agencies.”
The Fire District operates with roughly 30 personnel, some of whom are full-time and some part-time or reserve staff, according to Heber-Overgaard Fire District Chief William McCluskey in a brief phone interview with the Independent.