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Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayOrganizations say the ongoing shutdown has left federal firefighters working without pay, blocked vital fire and EMS grants, and cut Medicare ambulance reimbursements
October 23, 2025 09:29 AM •
WASHINGTON. — The IAFF and IAFC are calling on Congress to immediately end the government shutdown, saying that reopening federal operations will restore stability, fulfill commitments to public servants, and allow fire and EMS departments nationwide to access essential funding and support.
In a letter to Senate and House of Representatives leaders, IAFF General President Ed Kelly and IAFC President Trisha Wolford urged Congress to end the shutdown immediately.
| MORE: Government shutdown: Tracking the firefighter impact
Federal firefighters protecting military bases, airfields, research labs, VA facilities and other critical infrastructure have continued working without pay since Oct. 1, according to the letter. The organizations said in a statement that these firefighters, who often work 72-hour weeks, face growing financial strain and called on Congress to restore their pay schedule and guarantee full back pay and benefits, consistent with past shutdowns.
The shutdown is also hurting municipal and state fire and EMS departments by blocking access to critical grants, including AFG and SAFER awards, the letter stated.
Since Oct. 1, Medicare reimbursements for ground ambulance transport have been reduced following the lapse of the program’s “extender” payments. The organizations said the funding gap is straining local fire and EMS budgets and urged Congress to reopen the government and renew the payment add-ons.
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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at [email protected].
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