Fairfax Fire Recruits Graduate Early To Deal With Coronavirus

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department accelerated the graduation timeline of its current class of more than 50 recruits as a way to provide reinforcements as quickly as possible for the department as it deals with the coronavirus crisis. The new recruits, who were sworn in Friday, began working Saturday at their first fire stations.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Chief John Butler presided over the swearing-in ceremony of 53 new firefighters and paramedics at the department’s Fire and Rescue Training Academy on West Ox Road near the Fairfax County government center. The ceremony was attended by Fairfax County fire command staff and academy instructors.

“I am extremely proud of the 53 recruits who completed their training in the midst of extraordinary circumstances," Butler said. "I am excited to have them join forces with our brave firefighters and paramedics already working on the front lines to protect the lives of those we serve."

Several members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department have tested positive for the coronavirus over the past month. Two weeks ago, the department said that six of the 12 Fairfax County Fire and Rescue members who tested positive have recovered.

The first case involving fire and rescue personnel was confirmed on April 9. The fire department is not releasing information on work locations of members. If an exposure concern is identified, the public or contacts will be notified, the department said.

Although the Fairfax fire department has been fully staffing its stations and apparatus through the crisis, the new recruits will allow the department to provide relief to its members who have been working extra hours due to the crisis.

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In the week of April 19 to April 25, firefighters and paramedics responded to 1,664 calls compared to 1,688 calls the previous week. Firefighters may wear personal protective equipment when responding to calls potentially involving COVID-19 patients.

Even though the 53 recruits were sworn in four weeks ahead of schedule, each enters the field as a fully certified firefighter and paramedic, Butler said. At a later date, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will have a formal graduation ceremony to celebrate their achievements with family and friends.

"This historic early graduation comes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic," the fire and rescue department said. "The proactive decision to accelerate the timeline came as the department prepared and planned for the continuity of services we provide to our communities."

The new recruits will be working in a county with the largest number of people who have tested positive for coronavirus in Virginia. As of Sunday, Fairfax County had 5,892 people who tested positive and 239 people who have died from the virus, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

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