Sheriffs: Companies ‘enthusiastically’ filling first responders' needs, more aid sought

First responders, sheriffs, police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services are struggling to find needed safety equipment from official sources to protect themselves in the coronavirus crisis, but corporate America is coming to their rescue.

Stuck in line behind doctors, nurses, and utility workers for government-delivered “personal protective equipment” such as masks, gowns, and face shields, first responders have had to seek outside suppliers.

And their pleas have been “enthusiastically welcomed” by some top corporations, said National Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director and CEO Jonathan Thompson. “What they are doing is more than impressive. It’s heartening,” he said.