Insurance pool has paid more than 275,000 so far in Snohomish Regional Fires attorney fees in Firefighter 8 case

The Washington Cities Insurance Authority has paid over $275,000 to defend Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue (SRFR) in a lawsuit filed by eight unvaccinated firefighters alleging religious discrimination. The firefighters were placed on unpaid leave due to their refusal to comply with Gov. Jay Inslee's COVID-19 vaccine mandate but were later reinstated. They seek back pay and benefits, estimating their losses between $800,000 and $1. 6 million.

SRFR has not disclosed their share of litigation costs, according to records. The case has moved from U. S. District Court to the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, highlighting ongoing legal disputes surrounding vaccine mandates. In 2023, the insurance pool reported $56 million in claims and lawsuits, managing around 1,800 cases for its members.

Notably, the insurance pool does not cover self-insured cities like Seattle, Everett, or Tacoma. The outcome of this case may influence future policies regarding employee vaccination and religious exemptions.