'This is the last time you'll hear me in a patrol car and Jay Inslee can kiss my a**': Washington State trooper of 22 years slams governor's vaccine mandate as he signs off for the final time after being fired because he didn't get a COVID shot
A veteran Washington State trooper who was forced out of the job by the state's vaccine mandate has released a video of his final sign off, and ended it by saying 'Governor Jay Inslee can kiss my a**.'
The trooper - who did not say his name - told how he had served in the department for more than 22 years in Yakima County.
But Saturday night was his last shift, with Governor Inslee's mandate ordering most state employees to be vaccinated coming into force on October 18.
'This is my final sign-off after 22 years serving the citizens of the state of Washington, I've been asked to leave because I am dirty,' the officer began.
'Numerous fatalities, injuries, I've worked sick, I've played sick, buried lots of friends over these years.
'I'd like to thank you guys, as well as the citizens of Yakima County as well as my fellow officers within the valley. Without you guys I wouldn't have been very successful.'
Washington State Trooper quit his job two days before a vaccine mandate is introduced across the state
Washington Governor Jay Inslee issued the sweeping order earlier this summer
He continued: 'You've kept me safe and got me home to my family every night. Thank you for that. I wish I could say more, but this is it.
'So State 1034 this is the last time you'll hear me in a state patrol car... And Jay Inslee can kiss my a**.'
The officer received a response from the radio operator thanking him for his years of loyal service and listing off a list of accomplishments.
She said: '1034 thank you for your 22 years of service to the citizens of Washington State.
'You’ve taken on many roles in your time with the patrol. In your first year, you delivered a baby while on patrol. You’ve been a theory instructor and part of the chaplaincy board.
'You’ve been a great role model and a mentor for all the young troopers serving in the area by sharing your knowledge and experience throughout the years.
'Thank you for your service.'
People fill the Capitol campus in Olympia, Washington state to rally against the COVID-19 vaccination mandate by Gov. Jay Inlsee which threatens the jobs of thousands of state employees who may not comply
In video footage posted to Twitter, the officer signed off over the police radio to explain why he was retiring from the force adding: 'Governor Jay Inslee can kiss my a**'
The deadline for most state government, health care and school workers in Washington state to get their COVID-19 vaccination is on Monday, but those refusing to get the jab have had plenty of time to prepare.
Governor Inslee issued the sweeping order in August with a clear directive: 'Show proof of vaccination on or before October 18 or lose your job'.
Thousands of workers have requested exemptions and there have also been extensions made for some employees.
However, more than 90% of Washington state government workers are now said to have been fully vaccinated as of Saturday, according to the Seattle Times.
The vaccine mandate is currently one of the strictest in the country.
On social media there was plenty of support for the retiring officer.
'He has more support than he knows,' wrote one user. 'His strength is admirable. His public service appreciated and commended.'
'Heartbreaking. 20 years of experience is not replaceable,' added another.
There was plenty of support for the Washington State trooper on social media
President Joe Biden in September ordered sweeping new federal vaccine requirements for as many as 100 million Americans — private-sector employees as well as health care workers and federal contractors — in an all-out effort to curb the surging COVID-19 delta variant.
At the time, Biden sharply criticized the tens of millions of Americans who are not yet vaccinated, despite months of availability and incentives.
'We've been patient. But our patience is wearing thin, and your refusal has cost all of us,' he said, all but biting off his words. The unvaccinated minority 'can cause a lot of damage, and they are.'
Republican leaders — and some union chiefs, too — said Biden was going too far in trying to muscle private companies and workers, a certain sign of legal challenges to come.
Companies applying the mandates to their employees include Amtrak, BlackRock, Cisco, Citigroup, CVS, Deloitte, Delta DoorDash, Equinox, Facebook, Ford, Goldman Sachs, Google, Lyft, McDonald's, MGM, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, NBCUniversal, Netflix, The New York Times, Twitter, Tyson Foods, Uber, United Airlines, Viacom, Walgrenes, the Walt Disney Company, Walmart and the Washington Post.
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