Already short staffed, dozens of Massachusetts State Troopers resign due to Baker’s mandate

Already short staffed, dozens of Massachusetts State Troopers have already resigned due to Governor Charlie Baker’s vaccine mandate.

The State Police Association of Massachusetts had taken Baker to court over the mandate that had been announced in August. The judge sided with Baker.

State Police Association of Massachusetts President, Michael Cherven, issued a statement concerning the mandate and the judge’s ruling.

“We are disappointed in the judge’s ruling; however, we respect her decision. It is unfortunate that the Governor and his team have chosen to mandate one of the most stringent vaccine mandates in the country with no reasonable alternatives.”

Cherven feels that the State Police are being treated differently.

“Throughout COVID, we have been on the front lines protecting the citizens of Massachusetts and beyond. Simply put, all we are asking for are the same basic accommodations that countless other departments have provided to their first responders, and to treat a COVID related illness as a line of duty injury.”

The mandate has caused a good number of Troopers to resign as the department is already low on staff, according to Cherven.

“To date, dozens of troopers have already submitted their resignation paperwork, some of whom plan to return to other departments offering reasonable alternatives such as mask wearing and regular testing. The State Police are already critically short staffed and acknowledged this by the unprecedented moves which took troopers from specialty units that investigate homicides, terrorism, computer crimes, arsons, gangs, narcotics, and human trafficking, and returned them to uniformed patrol.”

State employees under Baker’s control that are not in compliance with the mask mandate as of October 17, 2021 will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.