Scott Carlson, a former lieutenant with the Redmond Fire Department in Washington state, says he lost the firefighting career he loved after declining a COVID-19 vaccine because of his religious beliefs. He is now appealing a court decision in a case over the city’s vaccine mandate.
Carlson said he and his fellow firefighters worked through the first 18 months of the pandemic without a case of cross-contamination. He said the state’s vaccine requirement later put his job at risk.
In 2021, Carlson applied for a religious exemption. He recalled being asked to show that his objection was based on sincere religious beliefs, but said the city later revoked the accommodations and moved to terminate the firefighters.
Carlson sued the City of Redmond in federal court on Dec. 8, 2022. The lawsuit alleges the city violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by failing to accommodate his religious beliefs and retaliating against him for seeking an exemption. The case was amended twice to add other firefighters who had received permission from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to sue.
In December 2025, a federal district court ruled in the city’s favor, rejecting the firefighters’ claims. The eight firefighters, represented by First Liberty Institute, are appealing that ruling to the Ninth Circuit.
Their attorney, Cliff Martin, says the dispute is not simply about vaccine policy. He argues that other positions were available where the firefighters could have continued working without receiving the vaccine, but that the city did not tell them about those openings.
Martin said the appeal asks the Ninth Circuit to reverse the lower court’s summary judgment decision. He also alleged that the city filled available positions with vaccinated firefighters rather than transferring workers who had religious objections. Those claims have not been independently established.
For Carlson, losing his job meant more than losing an income. He described firefighting as a way to serve his community and support people in difficult moments. He said following his faith while giving up work he cared deeply about left him feeling torn.
“This was how I served and showed care for the community,” Carlson said. “It was difficult to accept that I couldn’t do it anymore.”
Though the pandemic is no longer a regular focus of public discussion, Carlson said the effects of vaccine mandates remain unresolved for people who lost their jobs. He noted that many people are surprised to hear that related legal disputes are still going on.
Martin said the case raises broader questions about employers’ responsibilities to accommodate religious beliefs. “No employee should have to choose between their faith and their job,” he said.
A City of Redmond spokesperson said the city does not comment on pending litigation and will address the matter through the legal process. The mayor’s office referred questions to the city’s statement. The Redmond Fire Department was also asked for comment.
