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.
"(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.
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.
(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
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
'Tactical evacuations' underway near Fort Nelson, B.C., as wildfires encroach
The BC Wildfire Service says 'tactical evacuations' began Friday near Fort Nelson, B.C., due to an out-of-control wildfire that has grown rapidly since it was discovered earlier in the afternoon.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.