David Luces
Staten Island Advance, N.Y.
NEW YORK — A number of FDNY firefighters called in sick on Friday in an apparent protest over the city’s vaccine mandate on municipal workers.
The move drew the ire of the department’s commissioner, who slammed it as “excessive” and “unacceptable.”
The wave of sick leaves led to several companies in the city temporarily going out of service on Friday, an official told the Advance/SILive.com.
The official added that the department has not closed any firehouses.
Municipal workers were required to show proof of vaccination by 5 p.m. Friday, or be placed on unpaid leave beginning Monday.
“The excessive sick leave by a group of our firefighters because of their anger at the vaccine mandate for all city employees is unacceptable, contrary to their oaths to serve, and may endanger the lives of New Yorkers,” FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro said in a statement.
“Despite these actions by some, the department will continue to respond to all calls for help that come our way.”
The FDNY did not confirm which companies were out of service.
As of Friday night, the current vaccination for all FDNY members is 77%. Seventy-two percent of firefighters are vaccinated, while EMTs stand at 84%.
The current vaccination rate for all FDNY members is 77%.
72% of Firefighters, 84% of EMTs and Paramedics, and 90% of civilian employees. pic.twitter.com/f5d8tBATLX
— FDNY (@FDNY) October 30, 2021
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