Fort Lupton first responders began taking the first step to fight COVID-19 with the vaccine in January.
“We have offered the vaccine to all of our staff and volunteers,” said Phil Tiffany Fire Chief, Fort Lupton Fire Protection District.
The Moderna vaccine doses have been delivered to Platte Valley Medical Center for the Fort Lupton Fire District.
“So far, we have had about 18 firefighters vaccinated with no adverse effects. We want to thank Platte Valley Medical Center for vaccinating our staff,” said Tiffany.
The firefighters are taking two doses of the Moderna vaccine. The second dose will be administered in the last week of January or the first week in February. Lt. Randy Cleveland with the Fort Lupton Fire District took his vaccine on Monday, January 4.
“I did the left arm since I’m right-handed. It’s very similar to getting a flu shot,” Cleveland.
Cleveland retired from another fire department, he started as a volunteer in 2018 and has been a fireman since 1997. Cleveland is married and has two little children.
Cleveland said after he took the vaccination, he felt okay and went home and ate dinner. He is scheduled to take the second vaccination on February 1. Even though he took a vaccine Cleveland is still required to wear a mask.
Cleveland risks his life every day when he is out on a call and his message to the people who are the naysayers or are scared.
“We encourage everybody that’s able to get the shot. And like I said, it’s no different than a flu shot,” said Cleveland. “It gives me peace of mind.”
What are Cleveland’s hopes for the future?
“I’d like to get back to normal and not having to wear a mask. Being able to sit down and eat at restaurants,” said Cleveland.
The Fort Lupton Police Department will be next in line to take the vaccine.
“We have only done the initial survey for the number of doses that we will be requesting. We are probably several weeks out. We have given our employees the choice of whether to participate or not, depending on their specific circumstances,” John Fryar Chief of Police, Fort Lupton Police Department.
