Working Without Pay: West Point firefighters express frustration during shutdown

At the 16,000-acre campus of the United States Military Academy (West Point) in New York, the firefighters of the West Point Fire Department have continued to respond to emergencies—despite the ongoing federal government shutdown. According to union leadership, the 32-member department represented by International Association of Fire Fighters Local F7 (IAFF Local F7) continues to work an average of 72 hours per week without receiving a paycheck.

The West Point Fire Department operates out of three fire stations across the Academy’s campus; however, its reach extends beyond the gates. The department frequently responds mutual aid to neighboring communities. The firefighters say they are doing everything required of them—keeping their community safe—yet are being caught in a stalemate in Washington.

The situation at West Point underscores the broader challenges faced by federal-employed fire and emergency services personnel during government shutdowns. As these workers keep the lights on, the paychecks may not. Here is more on the story from ABC7.