The Post Millennial reported that former Seattle firefighters terminated after seeking religious accommodations to the city’s COVID‑19 vaccine mandate have asked a federal judge to clear a path for their return to the department.
Report: Chief warned of unit outages under proposed budget
According to The Post Millennial, Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins warned in an email that a proposed city budget would cut $7 million in overtime, reduce daily minimum staffing from 222 to 209, and be “managed through planned unit outages,” potentially taking four to six fire units out of service each day. The outlet attributed those details to the chief’s communication.
Fired firefighters seek reinstatement path in federal court
The outlet said several former firefighters filed an emergency motion in federal court in Vale v. City of Seattle seeking a workable path to reinstatement. The Post Millennial reported the city has required the former employees to complete a 15½‑week recruit academy designed for new hires, while the plaintiffs have asked for individual evaluations of their current skills. The report added that a federal judge denied the plaintiffs’ partial summary judgment in July.
Union opposition cited
The Post Millennial also reported that IAFF Local 27, which represents Seattle firefighters, opposes the proposed cuts and warns that fewer operating units could mean longer response times.
What we don’t know
Verified Headlines has not independently reviewed the budget documents, the chief’s email, the court filings, or union statements cited by The Post Millennial.
