Today’s Northumberland reached out to local police agencies regarding the COVID-19 vaccines.
Whether they are mandatory or not, and what compliance the service has had with the vaccine.
Last week the Ontario Association of Chief’s of Police sent a e-mail to all members concerning COVID vaccines.
A request was sent to the Assistant Deputy Minister stating, “As you are aware the Provincial Government made an announcement yesterday in regard to mandatory vaccinations for certain groups including health care workers, ambulance personnel, and others. Since the announcement, a number of Chiefs of Police have been asking if the Province is considering anything in regard to mandatory vaccinations for Police personnel.
Obviously, this is a very challenging situation for Police Services as their members are constantly required to work in close proximity of other police personnel as well as the general public.”
The e-mail also stated, “the OACP Human Resources Committee and the Police Legal Advisors Committee have been tasked to produce a document to share information regarding the transition back to the workplace from the COVID remote working programs that police services have utilized during the COVID period.”
Today’s Northumberland reached out to the leaders of the three local police services in Northumberland County getting their input about the vaccines and whether they are mandatory for their service.
Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf said the service doesn’t have a mandatory vaccine policy – because it doesn’t need one as all members/staff have been vaccinated.
“But it’s not because it’s in front of us. Obviously the health and well-being of my staff is the most important thing.”
“When COVID hit, I made it a priority to ensure that our people were not only physically protected, but we took care of each other mentally as well.”
By having Zoom meetings daily with staff it was important to have open communication.
VandeGraaf said he has high praise for Northumberland Hills Hospital staff.
“Northumberland Hills Hospital was just fantastic. So we got all of our sworn members – their vaccine. But then the hospital was so great, they did our entire staff compliment.”
VandeGraaf said it worked out to just over 100 people.
“It was not a matter of directing staff. Our staff were welcomed with open arms at Northumberland Hills Hospital.”
At the time, there were a few people at the service that had medical issues, but currently all staff and civilians have been fully vaccinated.
“Our association has worked right alongside our office from the outset of COVID. All with the goal of making sure we do everything possible.”
Reaching Port Hope Police Chief Bryant Wood who was on vacation he stated, “unfortunately I cannot disclose any medical information regarding employees of the service. We will be finalizing our vaccination policy in the coming weeks as I am currently on holidays.”
Northumberland OPP Detachment Commander Inspector Jeff Martin stated, “Though we have always encouraged our staff to receive the vaccinations and helped facilitate their appointments, it has not been mandatory. Medical information, so we did not track vaccination compliance.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
