Fire chief rips firefighters for 'disrespectful, disgraceful' behavior at anti-vaccination rally
Calgary fire chief Steve Dongworth had harsh words for a few members of his team Friday after a number of firefighters and police officers participated in an anti-vaccination rally at city hall earlier this week.
That's when officers and firefighters stood arm-in-arm to protest COVID-19 vaccinations that have been mandated for all city employees.
"Disappointed, very disappointed," Dongworth said, of his response to the rally.
It wasn't just the purpose of the rally that upset Dongworth but rather the fact that some of the protestors went up and put their hands on the Fallen Firefighters Memorial that stands outside city hall.
Anti-vaccination firefighters touch the Fallen Firefighters Memorial at Calgary City Hall, Sept. 2021
"(The fact that) this small group of people, in the process of advancing their agenda, would exploit that memorial in that way was completely disrespectful and a disgrace."
The Firefighters Association said it's concerned that some anti-mask and anti-vaccination groups are using the support of the firefighters and other first responders to push their agendas, adding that in fact, 85 per cent of its members are vaccinated.
"It would be unconscionable if we end up infecting one of those patients that we're working with or someone we come across in the course of our work," Dongworth said.
The City of Calgary announced all employees must get vaccinated by Nov. 1, unless there's a medical or other reason, or else face consequences.
Steve Dongworth, Sept. 10, 2021
Calgary's police chief issued a statement as well, part of which said, "We need to listen and work with our members and the relevant unions prior to making a decision on mandatory vaccinations or testing/screening of Calgary Police Service members."
In response to the first rally, Dongworth ordered barricades be erected around the Fallen Firefighter memorial in anticipation of another anti-vaccination rally Sunday.
He said he's had to request barricades before, but never thought he would have to protect the memorial from some of his own members.
Fallen Firefighter Memorial with barricades up, Sept. 10, 2021
(The Fallen Firefighter Memorial with barricades up, Sept. 10, 2021. Photo credit: Camilla di Giusseppe)
With files from Camilla di Giuseppe, CTV Calgary
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ukraine uses long-range missiles secretly provided by U.S. to hit Russian-held areas, officials say
Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight, American officials said Wednesday.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
7 surveillance videos linked to extortions of South Asian home builders in Edmonton released
The Edmonton Police Service has released a number of surveillance videos related to a series of extortion cases in the city now dubbed 'Project Gaslight.'
Suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery caught on video
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
New evidence challenges the Pentagon's account of a horrific attack as the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan: CNN exclusive
New video evidence uncovered by CNN significantly undermines two Pentagon investigations into an ISIS-K suicide attack outside Kabul airport, during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers
A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.