After 117,000 Doses, Coronavirus Vaccines End At Steeplegate Mall

CONCORD, NH — Described as a “highly effective and efficient team,” Concord firefighters and members of the New Hampshire National Guard closed the fixed COVID-19 vaccination site at the Steeplegate Mall on Wednesday.

EMTs and guardsmen have been staffing the site for months, delivering more than 117,000 vaccine doses through a partnership between the state and the Capital Area Public Health Network. The firefighters logged in more than 8,000 hours at the site. Firefighters from Concord also participated in the mass vaccination clinics at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

All staffing costs will be fully reimbursed by the state.

“I could not be prouder of the men and women of Concord Fire Department,” said Sean Brown, the city’s fire chief. “They answered the call and sacrificed countless hours away from their families to deliver the vaccine and restore a sense of safety and security to our community.”

One firefighter, Jared Beard, administered more than 6,000 vaccines. He called it an honor to be a part of the effort.

“I will never forget the grandparents vaccinating so they could see their grandchildren for the first time in a year, and all the families missing the outside world,” he said. “I am grateful for the opportunity I had with CFD and the National Guard to help bring back some sort of normalcy.”

City Manager Tom Aspell said the department and its members “really went above and beyond” during the past year of the pandemic.

“On behalf of myself, City Council, and the Concord community, I’d like to thank them for all of their efforts at the vaccine sites," he added. "Everyone appreciated their care, concern, and professionalism through this process.”

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