TAUNTON — Police Chief Edward J. Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw are pleased to announce that the Taunton Police and Fire Departments received a donation of KN95 masks from a local business on Wednesday.

Mechanics Cooperative Bank of Taunton donated 2,000 KN95 Respirator Masks to the departments for personnel to use while serving during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mechanics Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Baptista Jr. delivered the KN95 Respirator Masks earlier today.

Police Chief Walsh and Fire Chief Bradshaw would like to thank Mechanics Bank for their dedication to the community and first responders.

“We are extremely appreciative of this kind donation that allows us to better serve our community while remaining protected during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Chief Walsh. “This equipment will help to keep both our first responders and community members safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and further prevent the spread of the virus.”

“We are thankful to Mechanics Bank for their donation as we continue to fight the pandemic,” Chief Bradshaw said. “We are very grateful for the community support we have received during this time.”

First responders will use the masks to protect themselves from exposure to COVID-19 as they respond to calls involving people who may be reporting symptoms in line with COVID-19 or may have been in contact with a positive COVID-19 case. The department has put in place various procedures and is utilizing PPE to keep personnel healthy so that they can continue to serve the community.

The respirator masks will be issued to personnel as needed as the COVID-19 situation continues to develop.

 ###