AACP | Statement: Vaccines for First Responders
This media release is being issued on behalf of the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police and the Alberta Federation of Police Associations
On behalf of the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP) and the Alberta Federation of Police Associations (AFPA), we would like to acknowledge Dr. Hinshaw and her team, including the Government of Alberta, for their dedication in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The AACP and AFPA recognize that many challenges and considerations must be evaluated when planning Alberta’s vaccine rollout, including the need to ensure our most at-risk citizens remain the highest priority. However, as we continue to work with the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services, we ask that additional thought is given in expanding Phase 2 to include frontline first responders.
First responders play a critical role on the frontlines of the pandemic, frequently interacting with the public and our province’s most at-risk and vulnerable populations. Regardless of the additional hazards COVID-19 poses, they must continue their usual duties on top of enforcement and education surrounding Public Health Orders. In most cases, service demands placed on our frontline first responders have increased significantly over the course of the pandemic.
Timely vaccination not only assists in mitigating any adverse effects the virus may have on staffing and service levels, but also helps ensure the safety of personnel and the general public with whom they regularly interact.
The AACP and AFPA look forward to discussing these concerns with the provincial government and determining how first responders can be included as a priority in Alberta’s vaccination plan.
Chief Dale McFee, AACP President/EPS
Curtis Hoople, AFPA President
Please direct any inquiries to:
Edmonton Police Service
Media Relations Unit