The state is joining forces with the California Fire Foundation to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by encouraging people to make a plan to get vaccinated. Firefighters have been on the front lines of the pandemic since day one to witness the toll it has taken on communities, says Gov. Gavin Newsom.

“Our first responders put their lives on the line every day and have done that around the clock during the pandemic to keep our communities safe. We owe it to them – and ourselves and our families – to protect each other by getting vaccinated,” said Newsom.

As part of the partnership, the California Fire Foundation produced two videos with the voices of firefighters sharing their reasons for getting vaccinated.

“As frontline responders, California’s firefighters have seen the effects and devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic firsthand,” said Rick Martinez, executive director of the California Fire Foundation. “Firefighters are trusted and respected members of their communities and their support in encouraging all Californians to get vaccinated will go a long way toward helping us all get to immunity.”

Many firefighters and first responders were personally impacted by COVID-19 and understand the debilitating effects the virus can have on a person’s life.

“Not only are vaccines effective at protecting you from the virus, they help keep our families, friends and whole community safe,” said Tomás Aragón, state public health officer and director of the California Department of Public Health. “The end of the pandemic is on the horizon as long as we all continue to wear masks and get vaccinated.”