Rural Metro personnel fighting coronavirus in New York and California

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Rural Metro Fire Department (RMFD) sends crews as part of a big regional deployment on behalf of Global Medical Response (GMR), to help cities most impacted by the coronavirus.

A representative from GMR confirmed that since March, there have been multiple deployments of personnel from Yuma to Sacramento, New York City, and New Jersey.

There is no clear day as to when the personnel will be returning, but Rural Metro Fire Chief Soule said it could be sometime in May.

Chief Soule said that every day he is in contact with those deployed to make sure their mental and physical health is okay. According to Chief Soule, the personnel has witnessed human suffering, but also great moments as well while being deployed.

The regional deployment in total involves over 1,600 healthcare providers and 500 ambulances from around the country. They're assisting with setting up clinics, logistics, and assisting with 911 calls while deployed.

Chief Soule says he's really proud of the personnel deployed because they are representing Yuma and helping in the areas most impacted by the deadly coronavirus.