First responders begin coronavirus vaccine rollout
Many say they’re happy to get the shot and set an example for others
First responders across Massachusetts began receiving coronavirus vaccines on Monday marking a new phase of the state’s continued rollout, a positive moment shared by police officers and firefighters on the front lines.
“It’s been a tough, tough time last year and this year, with the pandemic. Thank God now we have vaccinations that can help us defeat COVID-19,” said Boston Police Commissioner William Gross shortly after getting the Moderna vaccine at Tufts Medical Center where other Boston Police officers and firefighters also got vaccinated.
Gross said about two thirds of BPD staff have signed on to get the vaccine and Boston Fire Commissioner John Dempsey said around the same amount of firefighters have agreed to be vaccinated thus far.
“This is going to go a long way to making sure that our members are healthy,” said Dempsey, who was also vaccinated at Tufts. He said about 700 Boston firefighters have been sick or quarantined with the coronavirus since the pandemic began.
Other Boston-area police and fire departments celebrated their turn in line on Monday as well.
Norwood Police Chief Bill Brooks said it finally feels like playing offense against COVID-19 instead of defense. He also got a Moderna vaccine, saying it felt great.
“I hope that we can in some way kind of set an example by getting it first and the public will look to public safety, police and fire and feel that it’s okay for them to get it too,” said Brooks.
Norwood Fire Chief George Morrice said, “It’s a great day for Norfolk Fire, it’s a great day for firefighters across the commonwealth.”
Brockton, a city hit hard by the pandemic also started vaccine rollout to first responders which was very well received, according to Mayor Robert Sullivan.
He said the city got 600 total doses as part of this new phase and 100 of the Moderna doses had been administered so far.
“During this COVID pandemic and this health crisis our Brockton employees, police and fire have been out there every single day and there’s a risk there. We know that the spread of the virus is real and this vaccine is going to minimize and mitigate the spread of that deadly virus,” Sullivan told the Herald.
Brockton Police Chief Manny Gomes said the city’s first responders answer 100,000 calls for service a year, each one a potential exposure, “These officers are in great peril.”
Gomes said around 30-35 officers have gotten the coronavirus since the pandemic began and several others have been exposed and quarantined.
“This vaccine couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Gomes.
Many other first responders across the state from Lawrence to Amherst were also vaccinated to kick off the week.
Vaccination clinics for police, fire and other emergency workers in various cities and towns will continue for the rest of the week.