As a result of the Governor’s proclamation, which required full vaccination for health care workers by October 18, 2021, Renton Regional Fire Authority accepted the resignation of two members who chose not to get vaccinated and therefore could no longer provide patient care.

One member of the organization has been provided accommodation. This member provides no patient care and was already assigned to work in the department’s training facility located in Kent, WA, which is not open to the public, for a term of one year and nine months. They are required to submit to regular COVID-19 testing, as well as follow masking and social distancing protocol. They will be required to be vaccinated when their term in training is over in order to return to a patient-care position.

A fourth member is currently off duty due to a work-related injury and will be required to be fully vaccinated upon his return, or face separation due to non-compliance, according to the department.

A department spokesperson said all other RRFA staff, including firefighters, administrative staff, and Office of the Fire Marshal staff, are fully vaccinated.

“These are challenging times, and we are saddened as an organization for the loss of our members. Our commitment is to the public safety of our members, and the Renton community, and adherence to the vaccination requirement is part of fulfilling that commitment,” said the department via written statement.