November 29, 2024
Coronavirus | Northwest Herald
Coronavirus

Marengo Police and Fire Deparments taking precautionary measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure

By NABIHA ASIM
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Marengo firefighter/paramedic Paul Ortiz poses Monday for a portrait wearing a disposable blue gown, disposable gloves, a N-95 mask and safetly goggles, all items which will help keep first responders safe from potentially dangerous bodily fluids during the coronavirus outbreak in Marengo. (Matthew Apgar)

The Marengo Police Department and Fire and Rescue Districts announced Thursday they are taking precautionary measures to reduce the potential exposure of COVID-19 to first-responders and community members.

Following recommendations from local, state and federal agencies, emergency responders now will respond in a different manner. When requesting services, 911 dispatchers may ask additional questions along with emergency responders once arriving on scene.

Marengo Police Department and Fire Rescue Districts said the measures will not delay response or change any sort of treatment.

The Marengo Police Department will also be making minor changes to making reports.

The police department recommends contacting them via phone at 815-568-7231 rather than coming into the station for nonemergency purposes and reports, including thefts, fraud and criminal damage.

The police department still will respond to all emergency, high-priority, exigent and in-progress calls that affect life safety issues. At this time, all personal fingerprinting requests, station tours, ride-alongs and solicitation permits are suspended.