GPD hasn't made the vaccination priority list yet

They've been out responding to crimes and exposing themselves to the community throughout the pandemic, but according to Guam Police Department Chief Stephen Ignacio, law enforcement hasn't been place on the list to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Police Chief Stephen Ignacio is making calls to Department of Public Health Director Art San Agustin.

"I found out that we're not yet on the list to receive the vaccine," he said. "I express my concerns with Mr. San Agustin."

Ignacio is concerned for his staff. He said as first responders, officers are risking their lives day in and day out to deal with the unknowns.


"The officers I think should be prioritized, we go out there we have had positives in our department through the exposure through the work that we have done in conjunction with the public health department," Ignacio said.  

The chief said GPD officers have tested positive due to exposure at the quarantine and isolation facilities. Additionally officers are responding to known COVID-19 patient calls from those who lose their battle to the virus at home.

"Because they did not pass away in a hospital setting then we now have to conduct a death investigation," Ignacio said. "So we've responded to actual known COVID patients who've died we've had to go down there and process the scene like any other death case."

While Igancio presses for GPD to be next in line for the vaccine, he says the decision is ultimately made by the Vaccine and Antiviral Prioritization Policy Committee or the VAPPC.

There are roughly 60 police officers including Ignacio who are willing to get vaccinated.

"I'm hoping that through my conversation with Mr. San Agustin it will elevate my concern," Ignaico said.