Shoot Me Straight with Dave & Eddie
David Dahlin - Fired, Faith & Fighting Back: SMS #170
On this episode of Shoot Me Straight, Eddie Gallagher and Dave sit down with retired Seattle firefighter David “Davy” Dahlin and his wife, Becky , to discuss more than two decades in the fire service, standing by their convictions during the COVID-19 vaccine mandates, and the fight that followed. After nearly 22 years with the Seattle Fire Department, Davy found himself facing a decision that would ultimately end the career he had dreamed about since childhood. He shares his experience requesting a religious exemption from the city’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, having that exemption approved, and later being terminated after the city determined it could not accommodate him. Davy walks Eddie and Dave through the events surrounding his departure and why he and other former Seattle firefighters continue to challenge the city's actions through ongoing litigation. The conversation also explores Davy’s career as a firefighter and first responder, from responding to medical emergencies and fires to the realities of working inside a demanding public safety organization. Together, Eddie, Dave, and Davy compare the fire service and military, discussing leadership, institutional politics, promotions, and what happens when those making decisions become disconnected from the people actually doing the job. Later in the episode, Davy and Becky discuss the personal consequences of taking a stand. What began with nearly 70 Seattle Fire Department members refusing the mandate eventually led a group of them into a years-long legal battle. Davy explains the frustration of fighting an institution with far greater resources and why the process has tested the finances, families, and resolve of those involved. That fight ultimately helped inspire Seattle Fired , a nonprofit created to support those navigating the financial and personal burden surrounding the legal battle. Davy describes the fight as a “David versus Goliath” situation and explains why he and the others involved remain committed even years later. This episode is a conversation about service, faith, leadership, personal conviction, and what it can cost to stand behind what you believe—even when doing so means walking away from a career that defined much of your life. Davy & Becky Dahlin / Seattle Fired: Facebook: Seattle Fired Website: www.seattlefired.com Follow Shoot Me Straight: Instagram: @shootmestraight ️ Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts Sponsors: Elevated Silence- Use Code SMASH15https://elevatedsilence.com Firecracker Farmhttps://firecracker.farm Patriot Poucheshttps://patriotpouchusa.com 10.40.10 Fitnesshttps://www.104010fitness.com Battle Barshttps://battlebars.com
