Hundreds of first responders - including Wareham and Onset Firefighters, Wareham Police, and Wareham EMS - have received the first round of the covid vaccine, thanks to a clinic at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center in Marion.
The drive-through clinic, held on Jan. 13 and 14, was the first major rollout of the vaccine in the Tri-Town.
“We didn’t have control over this and we’ve finally turned the corner and now we’re going on the offensive,” said Marion Police Chief Richard Nighelli.
When first responders arrived at the clinic, their IDs were verified with names on a list before they drove under a large tent to receive the vaccine, administered by paramedics from Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester and Wareham.
Aidan Pollard Jan 14, 2021
Paramedics from the Tri-Town and Wareham load the vaccine from files into syringes. Photo Courtesy: The Town of Marion.
Marion Paramedic Jeff Larkowski administers the covid vaccine to Wareham Police Chief John Walcek. Photo Courtesy: The Town of Marion.
Marion Public Health Nurse Lori Desmarais helped put together the clinic. Photo by: Aidan Pollard.
The vaccine and syringes were stored and administered in a tent. Photo by: Aidan Pollard
Vials of the Moderna covid vaccine. Photo by: Aidan Pollard
Town officials pose after the clinic ends.
From left to right: Fire Chief Brian Jackvony, Public Health Nurse Lori Desmarais, Board of Health Chair Ed Hoffer, Town Administrator Jay McGrail, and Police Chief Richard Nighelli.