A distribution of surgical masks was held Friday morning at Sedgwick Middle School in West Hartford.

Bob McCue, Deputy Director of West Hartford’s Office of Emergency Management, speaks to a business owner who is lined up to receive donated masks for employees. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

More than a dozen cars lined up in advance behind Sedgwick Middle School Friday morning, waiting to receive the free surgical masks that are being provided to essential businesses by the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) in partnership with CONNSTEP (the Connecticut State Technology Extension Program) and the state.

Small businesses – those with 50 or fewer employees – deemed essential by the state are eligible to receive two free surgical masks per employee.

Robert McCue, Deputy Director of West Hartford’s Office of Emergency Operations and a former assistant chief of the West Hartford Police Department, presided over the distribution along with Assistant Chief Hugh O’Callaghan and Capt. Jarrad Smith of the West Hartford Fire Department, representatives of the West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District, and several other town employees serving as volunteers.

Bob Hagmeier of Harry’s Pizza was first in line, arriving around 9:40 for the distribution event that ran from 10 a.m.-noon. He said he heard about the distribution through West Hartford Economic Development Specialist Kristen Gorski, who had emailed town businesses about the program.

Hagmeier picked up 20 masks Friday, and said he has 15 people currently working at the restaurant. “The community has been remarkably supportive,” he said, and takeout business has been going well. “I am just so thankful to the community.”

Hagmeier said he will continue doing takeout, but won’t be able to transition to outdoor dining on May 20 once it’s permitted because there isn’t any space that would accommodate it at his 39 South Main St. location.

Ken Swanson of Swanson Tool Manufacturing arrived to pick up 46 masks Friday morning. He said his wife has also made some masks for his office staff.

McCue said 62 businesses had registered through the CBIA to pick up masks Friday morning. There were also masks available for businesses that had signed up for last week’s distribution but hadn’t picked them up yet.

According to McCue, any eligible business can sign up through the CBIA website to receive two free masks per employee. The masks are delivered to the town for the weekly distribution, which will continue as long as the supply lasts.

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Fire Department Capt. Jarrad Smith speaks with Roni Rodman of the MedSpa who is in line to receive surgical masks Friday morning at Sedgwick Middle School. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Cars lined up before mask distribution began Friday at Sedgwick Middle School. Bob Hagmeier of Harry’s Pizza was first in line. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Diane McNally waits in line as Assistant Fire Chief Hugh O”Callaghan brings out her package of masks Friday at Sedgwick Middle School. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Assistant Fire Chief Hugh O”Callaghan distributes masks at Sedgwick Middle School on Friday. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Fire Department Capt. Jarrad Smith checks in a business owner who is picking up donated surgical masks Friday at Sedgwick Middle School. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Packages of masks, two per employee, await pick-up by business owners at Sedgwick Middle School. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Packages of masks, two per employee, await pick-up by business owners at Sedgwick Middle School. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Bob McCue, Deputy Director of West Hartford’s Office of Emergency Management, speaks to a business owner who is lined up to receive donated masks for employees. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Ken Swanson of Swanson Tool Manufacturing, receives a package of 46. masks from volunteer Meredith Ericksen. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Members of the West Hartford Fire Department sort masks for distribution Friday morning at Sedgwick Middle School. Courtesy photo