Spokane Spends $885K in Firefighter Lawsuit | Spokane News

Spokane City Council just approved $200K to keep fighting a lawsuit from fired firefighters who were let go for refusing the COVID vaccine, pushing the legal tab to $885K. The firefighters argue the mandate violated their religious freedoms — a case that began in 2022 when over two dozen were terminated. A federal judge initially dismissed it, but an appeals court revived it, citing the city’s own actions that may have undermined its defense. Firefighters and supporters flooded council meetings, urging leaders to consider the cost and public interest — including one who ran for mayor. The council voted 6-1 to fund the legal battle, with only Councilman Michael Cathcart dissenting, arguing the city could have accommodated employees like other cities and that it’s time to move past the fight. The case heads to trial in March, with livelihoods and legal principles at stake — and the city doubling down despite mounting costs. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/8cf0cb3d189a425d