WSP Loses 127 in Massive Firing Due to Vaccine Mandate [POLL]
Washington State Patrol announced that 127 individuals were separated from employment. Monday was the deadline for state employees to show proof of vaccination or face "separation from employment."
53 civil servants
74 commissioned officers (1 captain, 6 sergeants, and 67 troopers)
WSP Chief John R Batiste commented, “We will miss every one of them.” He added, “I extend a hardy thanks to those who are leaving the agency. I truly wish that you were staying with us. You have my utmost appreciation for the hard and successful work that you have provided during your valued WSP careers. You will forever have our respect for your courage and your commitment in all you have done on behalf of the agency.”
What are your thoughts?
On August 9th, Governor Jay Inslee issued a proclamation requiring vaccination for most state employees.
WSP currently has 2,200 employees spread across the state. The agency is having to make adjustments and fill vacancies as soon as possible due to the loss of employees due to the vaccine mandate.
According to Tuesday's Statement:
“As for the more than 2,000 individuals who elected to stay with our agency, I am forever thankful. We have the
responsibilities of the agency to carry forward and I am not going to ask you to do more with less. We shall do our very
best to keep our remaining staff from becoming overburdened by these temporary losses,” said Chief Batiste.
“We must now turn our attention to making sure we deploy our resources in a manner that continues to keep our
roadways safe and meets the other core law enforcement responsibilities this agency has met with honor for over 100
years.”