Toledo Police chief voices disappointment with ODH vaccine decision

Toledo Police Chief George Kral considers police officers frontline workers who should be next in line to get the vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccine / crime scene tape. (Pixabay | Jaden Jefferson)

TOLEDO, Ohio — Wednesday, the Ohio Department of Health announced that police officers will not be included in phase 1A of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, and that announcement has caused frustration among local law enforcement officials, including Toledo Police Chief George Kral.

Toledo Police Chief George Kral responds to the ODH’s decision.

Chief Kral says that officers engage with members of the community day and night, and at times their job requires them to be up close and personal with suspects.

Kral received support from Toledo Fire & Rescue Department Chief Brian Byrd:

Toledo Fire Chief Brian Byrd responds to the ODH’s decision.