Some local firefighters and their unions differ on whether to follow COVID vaccine mandate

ISSAQUAH, Wash. -- Some firefighters in Western Washington and their union leaders are divided over the recent mandate by Gov. Jay Inslee that several classes of public worker be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Eastside Fire and Rescue Chief Jeff Clark said there are still some in his department who are not yet vaccinated. Those that choose to remain unvaccinated will be fired from the agency, he said.

“Again, I hope it doesn’t come to that,“ said Clark, who is also president of the King County Fire Chief’s Association, which is has a huge push right now to get everyone in its ranks vaccinated.

But Jason Allen, a firefighter with the Seattle Fire Department, said he considers the vaccine mandate government over reach.

“I’m not a big fan of what I call coercion to get the vaccine," he said. "I think it’s up to each individual."

The Tacoma Firefighters union agrees with Allen, saying a recent survey of its members found that more than 30 percent were not planning to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Asked if Allen is prepared to lose his job over it, he said, “To stand on my convictions and principals, yes."

With coronavirus cases surging and vaccination rates lagging in many parts of the state, Inslee ordered public workers, like firefighters and paramedics, to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 18 or face the threat of job termination.

Vashon Island Fire Chief Charles Krimmert has refused to get the vaccine. which has led the Board of Commissioners to contemplate how to enforce the governor's order and the punishment it carries for non-compliance.

“The board hasn’t made any decisions," Commissioner Andrew Johnson said. "And there’s still time for anyone to change their vaccination status, if they choose."

Then there’s the larger Washington State Council of Fire Fighters.

Its leaders said the state should provide more options beyond the current religious and medical exemptions.

The group has suggested alternatives that include more testing for COVID-19, but Inslee’s office said that would be too costly.

“We understand emotions are running high and some people have a lot of questions they need answered," the governor said in a written statement. "Those conversations are still going on and state leaders are being respectful of people’s concerns.”