TALLAHASSEE, Fla., - Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis held a call with the Executive Boards of the Florida Fire Chiefs Association and the Florida Professional Firefighters to receive updates on COVID-19 response efforts from first responders statewide. During the call, the State Fire Marshal’s Office reported on efforts to support stand-up medical facilities and data collection measures to better understand workforce impacts to fire stations due to COVID-19. CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “Today, I heard from firefighters statewide on their continued response to the COVID-19 threat. My team is working with fire chiefs throughout the state to assist in preparing stand-up or 'surge' medical facilities to support the needs of the medical community and patients during this public health emergency. Fire service leaders are also working to capture vital data on the impacts of COVID-19 to their workforce, as the threat of exposure can take fire personnel off-line for weeks until they recover. We must continue to support these efforts and these heroes as they work to protect our communities. “As we all deal with the threat of COVID-19, it’s important to remember that our firefighters continue to respond to emergencies including a wildfire that is being closely monitored in the Big Cypress National Preserve. I cannot thank these brave men and women enough for their tireless efforts to keep us safe during these challenging times.”