In what their deputy commissioner called a “very unusual” move, thousands of New York City firefighters took medical leave in the past week as the mayor’s coronavirus vaccine mandate for first responders effectuates.
Two thousand members of the New York City Fire Department went on leave as Mayor Bill de Blasio’s policy went into effect Monday. That’s about 18% of the force, as the department reportedly employs about 11,000 firefighters.
“Irresponsible bogus sick leave by some of our members is creating a danger for New Yorkers and their fellow Firefighters,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro in a statement Sunday. “They need to return to work or risk the consequences of their actions.”
FIRST RESPONDERS RESIGN ON SOCIAL MEDIA OVER CORONAVIRUS VACCINE MANDATE
De Blasio announced the vaccination mandate on Oct. 21 for municipal workers, which includes first responders.
There are no concerns over shortages of firefighters that would shut down firehouses, Nigro said.
FDNY Deputy Commissioner Frank Dwyer called the firefighters’ decision “very unusual,” according to NBC News.
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The city’s first responders, including emergency medical responders, police, and firefighters, protested the mandates on Oct. 20. They marched and picketed the city imposing upon personal medical decisions, with at least one sign reading, “F*** Joe Biden.”
There are reportedly 50,000 municipal employees who have not been fully vaccinated.
