More than 460 law enforcement officers have died of COVID-19, including four members of the Chicago Police Department, according the Officer Down Memorial Page. Chicago police reported 629 homicides this year through early October, compared with 605 during the same period last year and 402 in the same time frame in 2019.ДЇirst responders around the country have been hit hard by the virus but have been resisting vaccine mandates. Violent crime has spiked in the city this year, from expressway shootings to a rise in carjackings. She said the city is prepared to deal with any fallout related to the vaccination requirement. But the fact of the matter is, if you are not vaccinated, you are playing with your life, the life of your family, the life of your colleagues and members of the public.вЂќ It is unfortunate that the FOP leadership has chosen to put out a counter narrative. вЂњWhat weвЂ™re focused on is making sure that we maximize the opportunity to create a very safe workplace,вЂќ Lightfoot said. He said that although he has made clear his vaccine status, вЂњI do not believe the city has the authority to mandate that to anybody, let alone that information about your medical history.вЂќДuring a news conference Wednesday, Lightfoot accused Catanzara of spreading false information and dismissed most of his statements as вЂњuntrue or patently false.вЂќ She said COVID-19 vaccines are proven to be effective and that getting vaccinated would protect city workers and their families. Biden: Russian threat to invade Ukraine still 'very high'