Editor's note: Find Firehouse.com's complete coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic here.
D.C. Fire and EMS Lt. Joe Papariello had a singular concern as he waited to receive his COVID-19 vaccine last month.
It wasn't a sense of history in being one of the first in his department to be inoculated for the devastating virus. Nor was it cautious relief that the pandemic that has gripped the globe might soon be coming to a close.
Papariello's worries were more about personal pride.
"I think the biggest thing was not to flinch in front of so many cameras. Or at least not to flinch as much as the fire chief did because I'd never live that down in the firehouse," he said.
Papariello was part of the initial wave of 750 vaccinations for D.C. Fire and EMS members that began in December, as well as one of five department members specially selected by Mayor Muriel Bowser's office. Known as the "First Five," these members are the public face when it comes to "sending a strong message about the importance of this vaccine to protect them, their families and loved ones, their patients and coworkers, and our entire city,” Bowser said in a statement announcing the group.
"It was pretty humbling," Papariello said about being chosen. "We've worked really hard as a unit, as a department, to do the right things under COVID and to take the right steps under COVID. ... It was great to be a part of it. It was great to represent my brothers and sisters who have worked so hard during this time keeping everybody safe."
Papariello was joined in the First Five by Chief John Donnelly, who was acting chief when he was chosen to participate. In fact, Donnelly received the vaccine in the same week he was confirmed to the post permanently.
"What was sort of striking to me was how momentous a day it was for the department," Donnelly said about receiving the vaccine. "That we were finally starting what we wanted back in March, which was to have a vaccine so we could begin to turn the corner on this and get to normal."
"I'm not sure being involved in something of that level makes it daunting ... but a lot of times you think about it afterward," he added. "But this was one of those cases where you just say, 'Oh wow, this is truly an important day.'"
Unlike Papariello, Donnelly tested positive for COVID-19 in the spring. Even though he only suffered mild symptoms, Donnelly doesn't relish the possibility of contracting the virus a second time.
"It definitely made me focus on it could happen again and nobody knows how it goes a second time, and I definitely don't want it worse," he said.
With those unknown factors surrounding the virus still lingering, Donnelly and Papariello understand why their colleagues would have concerns when it comes to the vaccine, especially for those with allergies or other health conditions. The department is not making the vaccine mandatory for its members, but in their role with the First Five, both firefighters have been fielding questions from firefighters and family.
"I think my daughter was a little fearful. She's the only one who expressed feelings along those lines," said Donnelly, who admitted that discussing the vaccine with other members of the department has helped address his 19-year-old daughter's concerns.
Even though the vaccine is available, COVID protocols, such as social distancing and proper PPE use, shouldn't be abandoned. Donnelly said the D.C. area should "be in great shape" vaccinating people by the summer, and both firefighters hope others follow their examples when it comes to receiving the shots.
"If we're able to convince one more person to get the vaccine by being out in front and maybe saving that person's life down the line, then it was totally worth it," Papariello said.
