A probe by the Los Angles Times shows the Los Angeles Fire Department rarely fires anyone regardless of offenses, sometimes criminal.
But, on Thursday was difficult for Los Angeles Firefighter Matt Mammone.
After serving for nearly 15 years, he was fired -- not for committing a crime, drug addiction or other serious issues. But, for his failure to get a COVID-19 vaccination.
"I love my job. I feel like I poured my heart into it. Promoted to rank of engineer, I got to drive the fire engine. Got to do a lot of amazing things," Mammone told a Fox11 reporter.
Los Angeles Times Investigative Reporter Paul Pringle spoke about his investigation with KTLA.
Among the issues he discovered that despite firefighters involved in assaults, paying for sex while on duty and driving while intoxicated remain on the job.
Mammone did not file for a religious or medical exemption. The ex-firefighter and his attorney believed agreeing to a vaccine mandate was a breach of contract.
"This is the United States. We have a constitutional exemption and freedom of choice, freedom of religion," Mammone said.
The city issued the following response to the media:
"Per the vaccine ordinance adopted by city leaders. All city employees are mandated to either be fully vaccinated or file for an exemption. LAFD members who do not abide by the ordinance are granted their due process.
Today, in the case of firefighter Matt Mammone, who decided to challenge the requirements of the condition of employment, the LAFD Board of Rights determined that Mammone be separated from the department."
