New Jersey's Top Cop Gets First Dose Of COVID-19 Vaccine

MORRISTOWN, NJ - Sunday was the day and Morristown Medical Center was the place where New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Pat Callahan received his first dose of the Moderna-crafted COVID-19 vaccine.

Callahan said that he is encouraging all law enforcement officers to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their families, and the people they serve.

His action stood in contrast to what Gov. Phil Murphy has said about his own vaccine plans.

During a Dec. 28th news conference, Murphy said he doesn't plan to get vaccinated until front-line workers went first.

"We want healthcare workers, long-term care residents, staff, the disabilities and other homes that Judy was able to include in the federal program," he said. "There is a reason for that rhythm and a reason for that priority and with all due respect folks like us are not on that list."

Murphy said that New Jersey has a "very good" vaccination plan in place but there is an enormous supply and demand imbalance right now.

"I recognize as role models as people as public officials, however, you might describe (that) there is some benefit to seeing us receiving it," he said. "But when there is such a supply-demand imbalance as great as it is, and you still have not gone through healthcare workers, long-term care residents, essential workers, folks meaningfully older than we are. I just can't justify it. That is my personal opinion."

It seems Callahan is the first of the trio to serve as that role model. New Jersey's top cop is scheduled to receive his second dose on Superbowl Sunday, Feb. 7.

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