HeraldReviewMedia's video: Majority of personnel at law enforcement agencies in Cochise County have not gotten the vaccine

Kristyna Wentz-Graff AP photo Good morning, it’s Monday February 8th and this is The Herald Review’s Daily Chirp podcast. We’re bringing you a closer look at one of our top stories, along with other important things going on in our community. Today - The majority of personnel at the two largest local law enforcement agencies in Cochise County have not gotten the COVID vaccine so far. But first, a quick message from our sponsor. Before we begin, some local history. Walter "Walt" Blackman is an American Republican politician serving as a member of the Arizona House of Representatives since January 14, 2019. He is the first Black Republican elected to the Arizona Legislature. He also served 21 years in the United States Army, earning a Bronze Star for combat action as a tank commander in Iraq. Today’s history is brought to you by Benson Hospital - they’re doing more than treating illnesses in Benson, they're building a healthier community. Benson Hospital is now collaborating with the Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona to provide diaper assistance to families in need. For more information visit their website at bensonhospital.org. Now, our feature story. According to officials, the majority of personnel at the two largest local law enforcement agencies in Cochise County have not gotten the COVID vaccine thus far. It’s not clear whether the employees — both sworn and civilian personnel — have concerns about the Moderna vaccine and its possible effects, or they simply don’t want a shot in the arm. Regardless, at both Sierra Vista Police and the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, the percentage of those who either declined the opportunity to get inoculated, or did not respond to their agencies when asked if they wanted the vaccine, are 56 percent and about 60 percent, respectively. Sheriff’s spokeswoman Carol Capas said that there have been some employees who expressed doubts about the vaccine, and that they have heard some concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of the vaccination. The situation was about the same at Fort Huachuca, where Commanding General Tony Hale said that roughly 50 percent of the troops — most of them younger soldiers — declined to get the vaccine. The general recently echoed what Capas said is happening across the country — a fear of the unknown. Hale posted a video when he got inoculated to encourage others to do the same. Aside from Hale, other top commanders such as Lt. Col. Wendy Gray have received their shots. Gray has now hosted two episodes of COVID Extreme, a brief video presentation on Facebook where she talks about the virus and interviews other personnel from the installation. That was audio from the most recent episode of COVID Extreme. Gray is also a nurse practitioner. General Tony Hale recently told the Herald/Review that many soldiers at the installation have said they’re afraid of getting the vaccine because they believe it was developed too quickly. And around the country, they’re not alone in their concerns. A survey taken by the Uniformed Firefighters Association of 2,000 members of the New York City Fire Department, according to a report by ABC News. The results showed that 55% of participants said they would not get inoculated. On the other hand, most emergency medical technicians at Arizona Ambulance — about 80 percent — have gotten inoculated. They’ve seen firsthand what it’s like to be hit with the virus. Thanks for listening, before we continue, a quick message from our sponsors, Prestige Family Living. Now, a quick update on the Tombstone High School boys basketball team. NEW -- brought to you by ApexNetwork Physical Therapy in Benson and Sierra Vista. They’re doing more than just treating patients, they’re helping patients get back to living their daily lives. Using extensive knowledge, their therapists treat each patient one-on-one, focusing on individual care. To learn more, go to ApexNetworkPT.com. The Tombstone High School boys basketball team picked up its first win of the season Thursday evening over the visiting Valley Union Blue Devils. Valley Union defeated Tombstone Monday in Elfrida with a basket at the buzzer. Thursday’s game was dominated by the Yellow Jackets all four quarters, resulting in a 55-33 victory. The girls team faced off before the boys game and for the second time this season Valley Union topped Tombstone, winning 26-20. Next, this week we’re hearing from members of our community on what they hope to see for the future of Cochise County -- brought to you by our sponsors, Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative. Today, we’re hearing from Adam Jacques of Sierra Vista on what he thinks could improve Cochise County.