2 Renton Firefighters Leave Due To Vaccine Mandate

RENTON, WA — Just two members of the Renton Regional Fire Authority are leaving the agency over Washington's vaccine mandate, which required state employees, health care workers and educators to provide proof of vaccination, or secure legitimate exemptions and accommodations by the end of Monday.

Like many of its neighboring jurisdictions, including Seattle and Eastside Fire & Rescue, Renton saw overwhelming compliance among its emergency personnel. Fire chief Steve Heitman told Patch Tuesday morning only four of his 182 employees remained unvaccinated at the deadline, including the two who chose to leave the department.

The other two unvaccinated employees include one who received an accommodation to work in non-patient care, who will need to get vaccinated before returning to response operations. The other employee is on leave for an injury and will need to get vaccinated before returning to work, Heitman said.

There are job openings for entry-level firefighters posted on the Renton RFA website. Several open houses are scheduled this month, which also offer information about career opportunities.