A federal judge has denied a preliminary injunction sought by six Naperville firefighters to stop the governor’s mandate that all health workers be vaccinated for or tested weekly for COVID-19 or face losing their jobs.

       The ruling issued by Judge John Blakey Monday in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois essentially rejects the request that governor’s actions be put on hold because he lacks the authority to implement such requirements.

       John Halgren, John Stiegler, Gil Cortez, Chris Garon, Robert McCormick and Joel Fox sued Pritzker, the city of Naperville and Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare on Sept. 23, maintaining they — and not the governor or their employer — should be responsible for deciding if they should obtain the vaccination or undergo testing.

       All six are still working and in compliance with Naperville Fire Department protocols, according to city officials.

       Jonathan Lubin, an attorney for the firefighters, said his clients are awaiting the judge’s written order before deciding how they will proceed.

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       The firefighters are fighting the governor’s Sept. 3 order requiring Illinois health care workers, including those who provide emergency medical services, receive the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Sept. 19 and a second dose 30 days later.

       If they cannot confirm their vaccination status, they must provide proof that they’re being tested every week.

       The city requires all firefighters to be licensed as an Illinois emergency medical technician or paramedic at time of hire.

       subaker@tribpub.com

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