SPD Chief: Possible 'hundreds' of unvaccinated individuals in the department as vaccine mandate deadline looms

Vaccine mandate and trooper shortage

The Washington State Patrol says we’re looking at a potential public safety crisis with thel loss of hundreds of troopers in part of the vaccine mandate for state workers.

SEATTLE - Possibly hundreds of unvaccinated individuals are employed at the Seattle Police Department, which could "create a disruption of unit assignments," according to interim police chief Adrian Diaz in a letter to the department.

Monday, Oct. 4 will be the last day officers can receive their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single-dose of Johnson & Johnson to qualify for the state's Oct. 18 vaccine mandate.

"At the moment – we have to assume we have hundreds of unvaccinated individuals based on the information submitted," Diaz said in the letter.

SPD employees have until Tuesday, Oct. 5 to submit their proof of vaccination.

In a lengthy one-on-one interview with Q13's Brandi Kruse, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan defended her decision to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for city employees but declined to say whether she would make good on threats to fire those who don't comply.

Agencies like South King Fire and Rescue announced that firefighters who are unvaccinated will not be allowed to provide patients with care and could be at risk for getting fired.

Seattle mayor defends vaccine mandate, refuses to say whether she will fire officers who don't comply

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan defended her decision to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for city employees but declined to say whether she would make good on threats to fire those who don't comply.

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