Toccoa Fire Department dealing with positive cases of COVID-19

The Toccoa Fire Department is reporting that several firefighters have tested positive for COVID-19.

According to city staff all Toccoa Firefighters have been tested; of those, numerous Firefighters received negative test results, so staffing at Toccoa’s two Fire Stations are manageable.

Toccoa Fire Chief Jeff Haslup says “the Toccoa Fire Department has a good and workable plan to ensure the safety of the public, but also the well-being of all the fire staff. We are covering all shifts and maintaining safety services to our community without interruption.”

It is important to note that the City of Toccoa has Automatic-Aid Agreements with Eastanollee, Shiloh and Carnes Creek Fire Stations.

Those Fire Stations will automatically and immediately respond to all structure fire calls in the City Limits.

Toccoa is also working with Stephens County Emergency Management Director Danielle Rhodes and Stephens County Fire Coordinator Jonathan Jordan to secure additional resources should they be needed.

City Manager Billy Morse said “the public can be confident that the Toccoa Fire Department will continue to provide excellent First Responder and fire response services during this time.  Our Firefighters are dedicated to their jobs and fully understand their role to serve and protect.”

All fire trucks and both fire stations have been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to minimize and hopefully eliminate further spread of the virus.

Those Firefighters testing positive will not be allowed back at work until they are cleared.  The Toccoa Fire Department is following CDC and Health Department guidelines.

Vice-Mayor Evan Hellenga says “the Toccoa City Commission is aware of the situation and is committed to providing the necessary resources to protect the health and safety of the community.  We understand the importance of these essential services and are confident we will get through this together.”

WNEG News will continue to follow this story and bring you updates as they become available.