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Stauber Hosts Call with Law Enforcement Officers, First Responders, Firefighters, and State Legislators to Discuss Critical Need for Premise Information Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

April 10, 2020

HERMANTOWN, MN – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) joined 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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) stockpiles.

Earlier this week, Congressman Stauber wrote a letter to Governor Walz, requesting that he issue an executive order requiring the Minnesota Department of Health share confirmed COVID-19 premise information with 911 dispatchers. This action would 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.

As of this press release, Governor Walz has yet to release an Executive Order on this issue.

Of this call, Congressman Stauber stated, "As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, I know that our law enforcement officers, first responders, and firefighters are facing unprecedented challenges in their respective roles. As a law enforcement officer turned Congressman, I will always have these heroes' backs. That's why I was happy to host a call to further discuss their concerns regarding the lack of premise information and how this issue is resulting in the rapid depletion of PPE. I am confident that Governor Walz will take leadership on this issue, so that the heroes on the frontlines of this crisis are better prepared and protected."

The following individuals spoke on the call:

  • Congressman Pete Stauber, Minnesota's Eighth Congressional District
  • Mike Tusken, Chief of Police, City of Duluth
  • Shawn Krizaj, Fire Chief, City of Duluth
  • Chris Parson, President, Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters
  • Brian Peters, Executive Director, Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association
  • Allen Lewis, Fire Chief/Emergency Manager, Virginia Fire Department
  • Pat Chelmo, 2nd Vice President, Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police
  • Rep. Brian Johnson, Minnesota House of Representatives, Ranking Member of the Public Safety Committee
  • Senator Warren Limmer, Minnesota Senate, Chair the of Judiciary and Public Safety Committee

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