SEATTLE – Fire Chief Harold D. Scoggins visited the Rainier Beach Community Hub this afternoon to receive his first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. He joined over 150 eligible community members at the site today also receiving their vaccination, whom were registered by First African American Methodist Episcopal Church (First AME) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
“My goal of getting vaccinated is to hopefully help encourage others to do the same and ease the fears around the vaccination. If my vaccination at today’s event helps just one more person gain courage to get vaccinated, then I consider it a success,” said Fire Chief Scoggins. “I know that through each vaccination we administer, we are one step closer to improving the health of those around us and eventually reopening. And as a member of the community who lives and works in Seattle, I am certainly looking forward to getting through this pandemic.”
In June, Chief Scoggins was one of the first people to receive a nasopharyngeal swab COVID-19 test at the City’s community testing sites. Acting Captain Brian Wallace conducted that test, and today, he was able to come full circle and administer the Chief his first vaccine dose. When asked how it felt to vaccinate his own leader, Acting Captain Wallace said, “I’ve worked more closely with the Chief this year on COVID-related tasks than I could have ever imagined, and have seen him work tirelessly day in and day out to keep everyone else safe … it feels good to be bringing him some of that same comfort. I feel honored that I was able to vaccinate him today.”
Earlier this year, Chief Scoggins was named the Chief of the Year by the King County Fire Chiefs Association, and Acting Captain Brian Wallace received a Special Recognition for COVID-19 community testing development. Both have been integral in the City’s response to the pandemic, and have helped to lead the way on the vaccination front.