Top LAFD brass are using free Lyft rides, Google Nest gear and home security systems to entice firefighters unwilling to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Both Terrazas and Mayor Eric Garcetti have said they would potentially make the vaccination mandatory if firefighters remain reluctant as time goes by, though neither has yet to indicate he is ready to take that step.
“The LAFD will continue to offer the vaccine to its sworn members on a weekly basis,” Terrazas said. “I and our union partners strongly encourage all of our firefighters to get the vaccine as soon as possible.”
Judy Mark, president of advocacy group Disability Voices United, said that if front-line workers, including firefighters, were all vaccinated, “that would certainly keep us much safer.”
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The push to protect Los Angeles Fire Department personnel from COVID-19 has ground to a near halt as many firefighters decline to take the vaccine.
Late last year, firefighters were the first city workers given access to the shots. After an initial burst of activity, the number showing up to get the vaccine has plummeted.
This past week, only 143 firefighters visited one of the department’s vaccination centers, according to data released by the city Friday night. So far, 1,944 of the agency’s just under 3,400 members have been inoculated, leaving 4 in 10 vulnerable to the highly infectious coronavirus.
The reluctance of L.A. firefighters adds to the list of healthcare workers in the state who are declining to take the vaccine, a trend that health experts say could have serious public health implications.
LAFD captain dies from complications of COVID-19
By Alexi Chidbachian article
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Fire Department is mourning one of their own after a fire captain died due to complications from COVID-19.
LAFD Chief Ralph Terrazas made the announcement on New Year’s Day. It is with a heavy heart on this first day of the new year that we announce the death of LAFD Captain I George Roque, who passed away earlier today at an area hospital from complications of COVID-19, Chief Terrazas said in a statement.
Captain George Roque was a 22-year LAFD veteran. He was assigned to Fire Station 97 in the Laurel Canyon/ Mulholland area.
LAFD captain becomes 2nd within department to die from COVID-19 complications
KABC
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LOS ANGELES (KABC) A Los Angeles Fire Department captain became the second of the department s firefighters to die from complications due to COVID-19.
Chief Ralph M. Terrazas issued a statement on Friday night, saying Captain George Roque had passed away earlier that day at an area hospital from complications of the virus.
The 57-year-old was a 22-year veteran of the LAFD, assigned to Fire Station 97 in the Laurel Canyon/Mulholland area, Terrazas added. Roque is survived by his wife and four children. On behalf of the men and women of the LAFD, I send my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Roque family and his friends and colleagues throughout the department, Terrazas said.