Police and fire departments warn supplies for first responders running dangerously low

For smaller forces across the country, national police associations have played a key role. Groups like the National Fraternal Order of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Sheriffs' Association have leveraged relationships in Washington to sound the alarm about the protective equipment shortages.

Still, limited national stockpiles of protective equipment has meant law enforcement is competing with medical professionals for federal prioritization.

"There have been promises both at the federal level, as high as the President, and at the state level, that first responders will be a priority, but we're talking weeks until that equipment can be made available," said Dane County, Wisconsin, Sheriff Dave Mahoney, the incoming president of the National Sheriffs Association.

"We can't neglect our first responders by providing all of our resources to the medical field. Oftentimes it is our first responders -- our police officers and deputy sheriffs and paramedics and our firefighters -- who are having the first contact with individuals who are suffering with the symptoms of Covid-19," Mahoney said.