Washington State Trooper Robert LaMay dies of Covid after refusing vaccine and quitting over mandate
A former Washington State trooper who went viral when he retired after refusing to take the Covid-19 vaccine and violating his state’s mandate has died from Covid-19.
Robert LaMay, 51, retired from the Washington State Patrol last October after more than 20 years, telling governor Jay Inslee to “kiss his a**” in an infamous video.
Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste commented on LaMay’s death in a statement on Friday, as reported by BNO News.
“I am deeply saddened over the news that our former friend and colleague Trooper Robert LaMay has passed away,” said Batiste. “This agency’s prayers and remembrances are with his family and loved ones.”
LaMay’s last radio call as he signed off from duty for the last time went viral online.
“Wish I could say more but this is it, so, State 1034, this is the last time you’ll hear me in a State Patrol car, and Jay Inslee can kiss my ass,” LaMay said in his final radio call.
Vaccine effectiveness & Omicron
Expert studies have shown that the risk of severe illness from Covid-19 is reduced by 90 percent or more among people who are fully vaccinated.
While there are breakthrough cases of Covid among people who are vaccinated, they are rare.
In the event of a breakthrough case, victims are highly unlikely to be hospitalized with severe or deadly symptoms from the virus.
Health officials have advised that the Omicron variant is more infectious and could lead to further breakthrough cases.
Yet the spread can be offset by all vaccinated Americans receiving a booster shot.
Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant.
With other variants, like Delta, vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death.
Studies have also shown that side effects from the vaccine are extremely rare.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
After the video went viral, LaMay made several TV appearances, including one where he claimed he and his family “don’t do vaccines.”
According to BNO News, LaMay’s Facebook page was deleted last week when he was put on a ventilator after becoming ill with Covid-19.
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He died on Friday after his condition deteriorated.
Chief Batiste praised LaMay’s time on the force following news of his death.
“Rob served honorably for over two decades and we were disappointed to see him leave the agency this past October,” Batiste said. “His service to this state and agency will be long remembered and appreciated.”
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