WA Chiefs Say Vaccine Mandate May Cause Shortages
Source Firehouse.com News
Fire chiefs from several departments in Washington state's Yakima Valley are concerned that a COVID-19 vaccine mandate implemented by the governor will put communities at risk.
KOMO News reports that chiefs from Yakima Firefighters IAFF Local 469, West Valley Fire Rescue, and the East Valley and Selah fire departments have all signed a letter to "respectfully disagree" with Gov. Jay Inslee's mandate.
The letter states that while many firefighters have agreed to get the vaccine, many others have chosen not to receive it, and forcing the treatment on those firefighters who have refused may put their communities at risk due to staff shortages.
"With this mandate, the entire upper valley of Yakima and beyond, stands to lose a significant portion of its firefighters," the letter says. "This would leave many communities in the valley without adequate emergency responders, this is unacceptable."
You can read the letter below:
