Warning from TX Fire Chief with COVID: 'It's Very Dangerous'

Jan. 14, 2021
“When offered the vaccine, I beg you to take the vaccine,” said Plano Fire Chief Sam Greif, who has been battling COVID-19 and pneumonia in both lungs since Jan. 3.

Editor's note: Find Firehouse.com's complete coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic here.

A Texas fire chief battling COVID-19 is urging everyone to get vaccinated, and he's offering a warning about the virus: "It's very dangerous."

Plano Fire Chief Sam Greif was hospitalized with the virus Jan. 3, WFAA-TV reports. He said that his condition went downhill fast, and he also was diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.

“This is not a hoax. This is not about politics,” Greif told WFAA. “This is real. It’s very dangerous. Please, please get the vaccine.”

Greif is on a special breathing machine, and he's receiving a medicinal cocktail to combat the virus. He said he's getting the best care possible and is recovering.

Along with battling COVID, Greif also has felt its effects in other ways. He's had two friends who recently died from the virus, which is another reason he's urging people to get inoculated.

“When offered the vaccine, I beg you to take the vaccine,” Greif told WFAA. “Don't get caught up in the ‘They rushed it to market, I don’t know what’s in it.’ It’s 95% effective.”