Following Congressman Stauber’s Calls for Action, Governor Walz Issues Executive Order to Give Minnesota’s Law Enforcement Officers, First Responders, and Firefighters Critical COVID-19 Premise Information

HERMANTOWN, MN – Following multiple requests made by Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), Governor Walz today issued an executive order to give Minnesota's law enforcement officers, first responders, and firefighters access to critical COVID-19 premise information. This action will better prepare the heroes on the frontlines of this crisis and help reduce the burn-rate of scarce Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Congressman Stauber released the following statement after the Governor made this announcement:

"I am pleased that Governor Walz chose to listen to the experts and take action on this critical issue. As we continue to wage war against COVID-19, it is only right that the law enforcement officers, first responders, and firefighters on the frontlines of this fight have all the information they need to protect and prepare themselves. As a law enforcement officer turned Congressman, I know these heroes are facing unprecedented challenges in their respective roles and remain committed to doing everything in my power to ensure their success and safety."

The Governor's Executive Order will require the Minnesota Department of Health to share confirmed COVID-19 premise information with 911 dispatchers. This action will allow 911 dispatchers to inform law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders of confirmed COVID-19 at the scene, giving them the opportunity to use their PPE only when necessary. While the federal government is working to quickly secure enough PPE to respond to this crisis, our current stockpiles are running low.

Earlier in the week, Congressman Stauber sent a formal letter to Governor Walz, requesting he issue this executive order. Congressman Stauber also held a call this morning with local law enforcement officers, first responders, firefighters, and state legislators on a conference call to discuss their shared concern over lack of critical premise information amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the absence of this information has resulted in the rapid depletion of PPE stockpiles.

Several individuals, who were on this morning's call with Congressman Stauber, also issued statements after the Governor issued the Executive Order.

Allen Lewis, Fire Chief and Emergency Manager of the Virginia Fire Department stated, "No commander would ever think of sending their soldiers or marines into battle without first providing all the relevant intelligence available to enable them to successfully conduct their mission. Why would we in the State of Minnesota ever restrict the secure dissemination of information to our frontline troop of first responders so they can protect themselves adequately while they serve their communities? I applaud the bold, decisive action by Governor Walz in approving the sharing of this vital and potentially life-saving information."

Pat Chelmo, 2nd Vice President of the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police stated, "During these uncertain and unprecedented times, we need responsible, courageous leadership. An Executive Order such as this provides critical resources to our First Responders, empowering them to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and the communities they serve. Only by protecting and responsibly deploying our responders will we make it possible for them to stand on the front lines and meet the challenges of COVID-19. Thank you, Governor Walz!

Brian Peters, Executive Director of Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association stated, "These are unprecedented times that require unprecedented solutions and leadership from our elected officials."

Representative Brian Johnson (R-Cambridge) stated, "I am glad Governor Walz is responding to the concerns of law enforcement as they respond to this crisis. Every day, they serve our communities, facing the risk of contracting COVID-19 while doing so. Making this information available to them will ensure that they can take all available precautions, protecting themselves and their families back home."

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