Day In A Life Of A First Responder
- Jared Hargis
- May 5, 2020
- 3 min read
The pandemic has affected families and states across the nation and all over the world, resulting in governors issuing a “stay-at-home” order to decrease the cases of the coronavirus throughout their states and hopefully flatten the curve. While many families are being told to stay home, first responders are risking their lives to help fight and enforce social distancing initiatives. As essential workers, they are helping to try and keep things as normal as possible while also helping society abide by the policies that are laid out by the government in the hopes of flattening the curve.
The impact of the virus has shut down jobs, universities and schools as well as limited or banned traveling to decrease the spreading of the pandemic. The virus is not just staying in one spot so states are doing everything they can to try to control the spread. However, not every state is seeing the same amount of cases and in some states there are more localized hot spots. Essential workers such as law enforcement are faced with different challenges depending on where they are located and the number of cases of the virus.
Campbell County Virginia Sheriff, Daniel Willis, stated “because of the extremely low number of actual confirmed cases, it's not super crazy because at least in Bedford County there are 16 confirmed cases so it’s not a whole lot.” Whereas, in the state of New Jersey, the city of Trenton has 1,345 confirmed cases according to NJ1015.com, the official city’s website. On the other hand, Delaware has 5,371 confirmed cases according to NYTimes.
Campbell County Virginia Sheriff, Daniel Willis, describes the challenges of being an essential worker during these circumstances, “Obviously things are a little bit different as far as interacting with people on the day to day...you have more people calling concerned about what's going on now and calling on each other about other people not following what the governors have said ” said Sheriff Willis. Sheriff Willis also discussed how his department and other departments in the nearby area are limiting traffic stops and public safety to prevent the virus from spreading.
Due to the coronavirus, this resulted in many non-essential businesses such as schools, universities, restaurants, barber shops and shopping malls to shut down. As a result of these businesses being shut down students, teachers and shoppers have to work from their homes. With the virus cases increasing this has led to it expanding from state to state and now that warmer weather is upon us more and more people are testing the limits.
Trenton New Jersey Police Sergeant, Cynthia Hargis, described how officers are being required to wear protective clothing and gear during this virus outbreak. “All officers in our department are being obligated to wear masks and gloves when coming in contact with the community” said Sergeant Hargis. She proceeded to explain that officers will wear protective bodysuits if they are coming in contact with people who are showing symptoms of the virus. Not only are these bodysuits protecting the officers from being exposed to the virus, but they are also helping to keep their families safe as they too are impacted by the fact that their loved one is an essential employee.
Delaware State Trooper, Rickey Hargis, describes how the Governor altered some laws in the state of Delaware, as a result of COVID-19 in practicing social distancing and protecting themselves. “The Governor has changed the policy for us when we are coming in contact with people who we suspect are affected with COVID-19, now in the state of Delaware face masks are mandatory for everyone” said Trooper Hargis. As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, Trooper Hargis explains how officers are now equipped with “clear face shields,” and must wash their cars cleaned “once or twice a week” to keep them disinfected. In hopes of decreasing the confirmed cases, “we definitely have to report if we come in contact with anybody who is possibly infected” said Hargis.
As the pandemic is starting to show signs of a flattening of the curve, many states have decided to open up certain public places. Law enforcement as well as the government are reminding people that this virus is still out there and is still a part of our lives. Law enforcement continues their duties to their communities to keep the people out of harm's way, the government requires them as “first responders” to continue their responsibilities and operate during these times of need.
Senior medical security officer, Louis Hargis sr, as a officer for 30yrs at Ann Klein Forensic center in trenton NJ ( that detains the criminally and medically insane) we are at the front line and are dealing with the pandemic head on, our facility has 15 officers and 15 clients who are recovering, our facility requires protection in the building at all times and everyone who enters must take temps everyday. I,my family, my fellow officers pray everyday for 1st responders and their families, we will overcome (MLK)