Seattle FFs Turn in Boots over Vaccine Mandate

Oct. 20, 2021
Seattle firefighters protesting terminations for non-compliance with a COVID-19 vaccine mandate turned in their boots at City Hall on Tuesday.

Editor's note: Find Firehouse.com's complete coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic here.

A group of Seattle firefighters turned in their boots at City Hall in protest of terminations for failing to comply with a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

According to KIRO Radio, multiple Seattle firefighters marched up the steps of City Hall on Tuesday to drop off their boots before saying a prayer with their families and then cooking breakfast for homeless people in Occidental Park.

On Monday, Seattle's mayor said that 91 percent of the city's fire department personnel had been vaccinated against the deadly virus, while about 6 percent were allowed a religious or medical exemption.

Seattle firefighter Andrew Pittman, who hasn’t been terminated but doesn’t expect to receive an exemption, took part in the demonstration and told radio host Dori Monson that he estimates about 100 firefighters will leave the department due to terminations, resignations or retirements.

“I just have strong moral and philosophical convictions against taking the shot,” Pittman said.

Photos and video taken during the demonstration were posted to social media:

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