Wash. State Trooper Who Told Governor to 'Kiss My A**' Over Vaccine Dies of COVID

A Washington state trooper who quit his job rather than comply with a COVID-19 vaccine mandate has died from the disease.

Robert LaMay, 50, made headlines when he rejected the mandate that Governor Jay Inslee implemented requiring state workers to be fully vaccinated against the disease by October 18, 2021 as a condition of employment.

Newsweek's Naveed Jamali was first to receive confirmation of Lamay's death, which has been reported by media outlets, including Kiro News radio and Fox News.

Newsweek has contacted for comment Washington State Patrol, which he had retired from rather than get the vaccine.

Back in 2021 in his final sign off from his squad car, he said that during his 22 years of service he had worked while sick and buried a lot of friends.

He said that he was "being asked to leave because I am dirty," before adding "and Jay Inslee can kiss my a**."

The video of his sign off went viral and featured on the HBO show Last Week Tonight, in which host John Oliver criticized his stance and that of a small number of officers who have threatened to resign over Covid-19 mandates.

In an interview with Fox News, LaMay explained his decision to reject the mandate, telling the network, "we don't do vaccines, we don't do flu shots or any of that stuff."

He said that he had received a religious vaccine exemption, but decided to quit because he would have to switch to a post that would pay less and would not suit his family life.

"We worked 18 months without having any type of issues and now suddenly we have to have these mandatory vaccines," he said, "not taking the vaccine wasn't even a question."

"Making people do this or you lose your job was ridiculous."

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste said on Friday he was "deeply saddened" at LaMay's death and paid tribute to how he had "served honorably for over two decades" and that "we were disappointed to see him leave the agency."

"This agency's prayers and remembrances are with his family and loved ones," the statement said, "His service to this state and agency will be long remembered and appreciated."

The statement said that LaMay had worked throughout the state in a number of roles, including armorer, certified reconstructionist and drug recognition expert. His most recent transfer was to Yakima county in 2014.

"Let us now remember our old friend, support his family and loved ones" and "give thanks for his service," the statement added.

Last year, more than 300 federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement officers died of COVID-19, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.