Following up - WCVB-Boston:
Massachusetts State Police aware of only 1 possible resignation over vaccine mandate, source says
There is conflicting information about the accuracy of the claims made by the union representing members of the Massachusetts State Police regarding resignations over the state's COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Gov. Charlie Baker and his administration are requiring state workers, including state troopers, to be vaccinated against the coronavirus by Oct. 17. If they cannot show proof of vaccination or receive approval for an exemption, those executive branch employees will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
The State Police Association of Massachusetts is standing by a statement that it made last week, which reads, "To date, dozens of troopers have already submitted their resignation paperwork."
However, a source within the Massachusetts State Police told 5 Investigates that the department is only aware of one person who has submitted paperwork to resign as a result of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
The union will not provide a specific number of troopers that it claims are planning to resign beyond saying dozens.
On Monday, Baker said the state will hire new troopers to fill the ranks of retiring troopers, regardless of the reason for their retirement.
"I think it's really important for public officials who deal directly with the public on a regular basis — who have no idea whether the people they're dealing with are vaccinated or not, and those people who are dealing with them ought to be able to believe that they are vaccinated — I think it's critically important for those folks to get vaccinated," the governor said.
The conflicting numbers from SPAM and MSP come after the union unsuccessfully attempted to fight the mandate in court.
It is possible for state troopers to file retirement papers directly with the Massachusetts State Retirement Board, but the source said the department is not aware of that happening.
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