Greenfield First Responders Get Dose Of Vaccine

GREENFIELD, WI— Greenfield Fire Members began getting vaccinated Monday, January 4 at a medical clinic that was offering vaccine spots to first responders, according to Greenfield Fire Chief, Jon Cohn. Four were vaccinated at the clinic on Monday and four additional staff members got the dose Tuesday. Additionally, 15 members of the Fire Rescue team were vaccinated at the in-station clinic Tuesday.

The team is also helping administer the vaccines.

"As part of a Firefighter EMT or Paramedics scope of practice in Wisconsin, vaccine administration is part of it," Chief Cohn explained. "Greenfield Fire has for many years assisted in flu vaccine clinics within the City. Thus, Fire Department staff was well ready to assist with delivering the Covid vaccine after a short training."

By the end of the week, the chief anticipates having all members interested in receiving a vaccine vaccinated. That will be 45 members in total, he told Patch. Chief Cohn said more than 80% of the members are interested in receiving the vaccine.

"While we are grateful to be receiving the vaccine, we are still mindful that other first responders and those in priority 1a are waiting," the Chief said Tuesday. "We are very grateful to Greenfield Health Department for their tenacity in securing our supply of vaccine and the quick turnaround to start vaccinating our members."

Every firefighter in Milwaukee County has medical training and is certified as either an EMT or paramedic. If you see a firefighter on a fire engine, they have medical training. Likewise, if you see an ambulance operated by a municipal fire department in Milwaukee County, those on that ambulance are firefighters as well, the Chief explained.

As the roll-out continues in Wisconsin, it's likely these firefighters and paramedics will be part of the process of administering the shots to other groups.