Seattle fireman struggles to feed his family while on unpaid leave amid vaccine mandate

After serving six and a half years with the Seattle Fire Department, 38-year-old Andy Pittman told Fox News that he was stripped of his duty as a train driver after choosing not to join until the city’s October 18 deadline to get vaccinated. invoking religious and moral beliefs.

Pittman is now struggling to make a living to support his wife and their four-year-old children, all under fourteen.

“The stress and turmoil are definitely pretty significant,” Pittman told Fox News. “My wife recently had a Chron diagnosis. I’m trying to find insurance and adjust our lives in ways we never expected.”

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Pittman says he is a Christian and received a religious exemption from Seattle’s vaccine mandate, but has been fired from his regular job at the operations and transferred to administrative service until December, when he expects his employment will inevitably end if he is not vaccinated.

Former Seattle firefighter Andy Pittman stands in front of the fire department.
(Andy Pittmann)

“It’s an emotional thing,” Pittman said of the firing of longtime colleagues. “We’re losing our family because of it … there is a deep tear.”

Pittman, who makes it clear that he is not speaking on behalf of the fire department, stated that he does not want to receive the vaccine because he developed antibodies after he and “almost everyone” in his family contracted COVID-19. He also believes that safety at work provides additional protection.

“The PPE we’ve all been wearing for the past twenty months is highly effective, so I don’t see any good reason for it. I’m young and healthy,” said Pittman. “I also trust my natural immunity.”

As of October 22nd, the Seattle Fire Department reports that more than 94% of their 1,081 employees are vaccinated, not counting employees on long-term vacation.

The boots of firefighters who have resigned from the Seattle Fire Department. Courtesy Andy Pittmann.
(Andy Pittmann)

Sixty-three employees have filed waivers, fifty-five religious, eight medical. Seven employees did not submit proof of vaccination or an exemption form, according to SFD.

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Seattle Fire confirms to Fox News that Pittman is currently an employee, but is unable to disclose an individual employee’s exception status.

A spokesperson for SFD pointed out to Fox News its policy, which reads, “… employees who have filed an exemption are on leave and cannot work until the placement process is complete or a member opts for full vaccination … if the exception is refused or not can be accommodated, the employee has the option to visit a Loudermill or to be vaccinated. ”

Former Seattle firefighter Andy Pittman stands in front of the fire department.
(Andy Pittmann)

Pittman says he will not get vaccinated and will not resign. He has brought his son with him to personally bring his work boots back to town and is currently working on setting up a digging and tree felling business.

“I would have a hard time staying there. I feel bullied because of my religion,” said Pittman. “Our administration made it very inhospitable.”

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan wrote in a statement, “Seattle has the lowest cases, hospital admissions and deaths of any major city while having one of the highest vaccination rates for following the science and advice of public health officials.”

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Fox News previously reported on Seattle city workers facing a pending vaccination deadline and nearly a thousand Los Angeles firefighters currently threatening to sue the city if they are fired without due process for not being vaccinated .