Sturgis-Coldwater News

Sturgis firefighters and police are still hard at work despite widespread COVID-19 closures. “Don’t hesitate to call in an emergency,” Deputy Sturgis Police Chief Ryan Banaszak told the Sturgis Journal.

Responses to emergencies remain the same. Officials say the amount of calls has not changed. More nonemergencies, however, are being handled over the phone in order to limit personal contact. 

Firefighters will wear protective gear when they go out on calls.

Residents are asked to mail in payments for tickets or pistol sales records.

To obtain police reports, you can call 269-659-7260. As for now, fingerprinting has been suspended.

The White Pigeon Fire Department requests that, if callers are sick or exposed to anyone with COVID-19, they tell central dispatch. This way, first responders can prepare with appropriate gear.

First responders posted on social media about ways they are supporting children and the community.

Families living in the Constantine Fire Department and Leonidas Fire Department service areas with children having a birthday can request a fire engine drive by with lights and sirens. Parents can call or Facebook-message the fire department, but services will vary depending on the staff available.

The Little Free Library in front of Waldo Park along East Chicago Road was converted to a food pantry filled with nonperishable items. Residents are encouraged to take something if they need it or leave something for others if they can.

Families are urged to continue social distancing. This reduces the spread of the virus and the impact that infections have on medical facilities, according to The Daily Reporter. 

Dr. Lauren Vogel, medical director of the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency, spoke about the potential impact of the novel coronavirus and precautions that everyone could take. “Our health care system will be overwhelmed if we don’t do anything,” he said to The Daily Reporter. Testing is increasing in the U.S. as more supplies and centers are being made available. “Be safe for everybody,” Vogel said. “Maintain your social distance, wash your hands, stay at home.”