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Robert LaMay: Anti-vax cop who said 'kiss my a**' over vaccine mandate dies from Covid

'This is the last time you'll hear me in a state patrol car. And Jay Inslee can kiss my a**,' LaMay had said in the viral video

Robert LaMay, a former Washington State trooper who was fired for refusing to get the vaccine, has died due to coronavirus. The 50-year-old cop came into the limelight when a video where he told the governor to "kiss my a**" went viral.

In October, LaMay defied the state mandate to get vaccinated and lost his job because of it. In the viral video, he can be heard saying, "This is my final sign-off. After 22 years of serving the citizens of the state of Washington, I’m being asked to leave because I am dirty. Numerous fatalities, injuries, I've worked sick, I've played sick. We've buried lots of friends over these years. I'd like to thank you guys. I'd like to thank the citizens of Yakima County as well as my fellow officers within the valley. Without you guys, I wouldn't have been very successful. And you kept me safe and got me to my family every night. Thank you for that. I wish I could say more, but this is it so state 10-34, this is the last time you'll hear me in a state patrol car. And Jay Inslee can kiss my a**."

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In a send-off from the communications center, the dispatch operator told LaMay, "You've been a great role model and mentor for all young troopers serving in the area by sharing your knowledge and experience throughout the years. Thank you for your service."

The official statement from Washington State Patrol's Chief John Batiste read, "I am deeply saddened over the news that our former friend and colleague Trooper Robert LaMay has passed away. This agency's prayers and remembrances are with his family and loved ones. Rob served honorably for over two decades and we were disappointed to see him leave the agency this past October. His service to this state and agency will be long remembered and appreciated. Let us now remember our old friend, support his family and loved ones, give thanks for his service, and resolve to meet the challenges ahead with continuing duty, dignity and respect."

Born in Upland, California, LaMay was the father of four kids. About the government mandating vaccines, he had said in the past, "You should not be forcing this. If you start forcing things like this what's next?" He finished his schooling at Keller High School and graduated from the Ocean Corporation with a certificate in underwater welding, report the official statement. LaMay joined the Washington State Patrol in 1999 and retired after 22 years in 2021.

The fundraiser held for the family after LaMay was fired reads, "Due to the Washington mandate for the COVID vaccine Trooper LaMay had his last call for service. This leaving him unemployed. Yes this is a choice. However after 22 years of dedicated service I am asking for the community’s help in supporting him and his family as it is said he will not qualify for unemployment. Please show your support by donating or sharing this as he has been forced out of his position serving the  public. Myself and many others had the pleasure of working beside him over the years and know the value and loss that the state of Washington will endure. Thank you Robert for your service and dedication to the state of Washington."

Jeffrey Thomas, a cousin of LaMay, told The Daily Beast, "I was kind of in shock. I thought it was maybe from the flu or something. I was kind of shocked that it was COVID-related. He didn't deserve to go out like that."

"They're old-school medicine. They lived on a farm, so they did everything farm-wise. They did everything on their own," said Thomas about LaMay's family and their apparent religious opposition to the vaccine.