Departments looking to incentivize COVID-19 vaccines after 3 first responder deaths this week

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — As COVID-19 cases continue to surge, first responders across Central Florida are mourning the loss of some of their own.

This week three first responders passed away from issues related to COVID-19. Read tributes to them here.

>>> CLICK HERE TO WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

READ: 3 Central Florida first responders died from COVID-19 complications this week

The losses have spurred an increased push from departments to get their employees vaccinated.

Orange County Sheriff John Mina said he’s a strong proponent of getting workers in his department vaccinated, and that his entire senior staff already is.

READ: Retired deputy who works as a children’s clown arrested, accused of stalking, threatening violence

While his agency and others have no plans to mandate vaccines, they are encouraging them. And the Orange County Sheriff’s Office is now offering three days off for employees to get vaccinated.

Police Chief Orlando Rolon said the Orlando Police Department is now also considering incentives like that too.

“You know, we shouldn’t wait for that type of tragic tragedy to occur to convince us to get the vaccine,” Rolon said.

READ: Florida wildlife officials search for animal abuser after gopher tortoise found painted pink

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is also hosting educational campaigns and planning a vaccination event for employees and their families.

While it is not known whether any of the first responders who passed away this week were vaccinated or not, Mina said he believes the death of Deputy Craig Seijos will convince others to go ahead and get vaccinated.

READ: Florida family finds iguana swimming in toilet

“With the death of Craig with the increase in the delta variant and how quickly the infections happened with the delta variant, we’ve seen a drastic uptick in people wanting to get the vaccine,” Mina said.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.