Guest Editorial: Scottsdale’s Finest Leading The Vaccine Way

By Scottsdale Pinetop

The first round of the coronavirus vaccine arrived in Arizona early Monday morning and for many, it signals the start of the end of the pandemic. And while many are already preparing to receive the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, others are a bit more hesitant to roll up their sleeves.

But one of Scottsdale’s heroes is taking the lead in hopes to set an example for others.

City of Scottsdale Photo

Scottsdale Fire Chief Tom Shannon will be among the first in Arizona to receive the vaccine this Thursday. He plans to use his leadership position to encourage all other first responders to get the vaccine.

On the front lines of the pandemic are our public safety officers and firefighters who are all too often the first individuals to be in contact with COVID-19 patients. This puts these everyday heroes at a huge risk of exposure on a daily basis. For Chief Shannon, receiving the vaccine is the best way to make sure their jobs are safer for both themselves and those they serve.

“We’re sworn to serve and sworn to do everything we can in our power to protect, so if there’s something we can do to ourselves to make ourselves ready and healthier, we should do that in my view,” said Chief Shannon in a recent interview.

For months, navigating the pandemic has been a challenging path, to say the least, for the health care workers, for local governments, for businesses and employees – and for our first responders. Let us hope this new chapter in the pandemic offers some needed relief to our devoted local heroes that are fighting the fight every day.

A sincere thank you, Chief Shannon, for taking the first steps that will offer some relief for our communities and state. Thank you for your leadership, your bravery and your dedication in keeping our communities safe and for building confidence in the best way forward.