Alexander City firefighters and EMTs are wincing almost every shift as they are swabbed for COVID-19 testing, but not because they are exhibiting symptoms of the virus.

Six personnel from every shift at the Alexander City Fire Department are now subjected to COVID-19 testing to help insure area residents they transport in ACFD ambulances are protected. It was a measure implemented by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Cliff Williams is a staff writer for Tallapoosa Publishers.