5 Redmond Firefighters Leave, 2 Retire After Vaccine Deadline

REDMOND, WA — Redmond's Fire Department lost seven members after Washington's deadline arrived for state employees, health care workers and educators to meet the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

A spokesperson for the city told Patch 89 percent of the fire department's 150 uniformed employees were fully vaccinated by the deadline. Six people were placed on leave until they reach full vaccination status on Nov. 1. Separations were underway Tuesday for five firefighters who chose not to comply and two more who opted to retire, the city said.

Redmond's compliance with the statewide mandate was in line with many of its neighboring agencies and those elsewhere in Washington. Eastside Fire & Rescue announced six departures Tuesday, and the Renton Regional Fire Authority confirmed two separations.

State officials said Tuesday evening that approximately 3 percent of state employees resigned, retired, or were fired upon the deadline's arrival.