Detroit police officers now have access to 2,000 KN95 masks resulting from a donation from DTE Energy. These new respirator masks are pivotal to minimizing the spread of COVID-19 as law enforcement protects and serves.
“Protecting our officers who are continuing to come to work every day to keep our communities safe is among our top priorities,” said Mayor Mike Duggan.
“I reached out to DTE for help and within hours they got us what we needed. This is a time when we need our community leaders and DTE is coming through in a big way. We’re thankful to have committed partners like that.”
The Michigan Chronicle previously reported the impact that the COVID-19 outbreak has had on the Detroit Police Department. As of Friday, DPD has had 39 officers test positive for the virus, including Detroit Police Chief James Craig.
Chief Craig turned over day-to-day operations to Assistant Chief James White. He joins an additional 468 police officers that are currently under quarantine.
DTE Energy President and CEO Jerry Norcia said in a statement,
“Our team has been working around the clock to procure as many masks as possible for our communities and for those working on the front lines, including first responders and hospitals. When Mayor Duggan called and shared that our heroic police officers needed masks, I knew we had to do everything in our power to help. We’re all in this together.”
Norcia also noted,
“We’re committed to the communities where we live and serve.”
According to the CDC, KN95 masks are an acceptable alternative to the preferred, popular N95 masks.
In addition to new safety masks, DPD is also taking additional steps to protect officers as COVID-19 continues to spread including:
- monitoring temperatures every shift
- enforcing strict social distancing
- reviewing possible risk/exposure of officers
- focusing on safe return of officers to work
To stay current on Detroit COVID-19 resources, visit https://detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-health-department/programs-and-services/communicable-disease/coronavirus-covid-19
The Detroit Health Department is also providing a 24-hour COVID-19 hotline at (313) 876-4000.
The Detroit Medical Center is asking individuals interested in donating items to call 313-966-9328.
About Post Author
