As the Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD) reaches higher levels of vaccination following a Sept. 30 deadline, the department is facing increased resistance from those opposed to the mandate. On Oct. 5, protesters gathered in front of City Hall for a rally against state and county vaccination requirements for BHFD firefighters. While the majority of firefighters have complied with the directive, roughly a fifth of the department has requested religious and medical exemptions.
In a statement over the weekend, BHFD Fire Chief Greg Barton said that nearly 80% of firefighters are vaccinated, up significantly from the 63% reported in August. The city itself has no role in requiring the vaccinations outside of enforcing the mandates. The requirements come from two authorities, the state and county public health departments, both of which have ordered healthcare workers to either get vaccinated or request an exemption.
