Firefighters at West Point say the government shutdown is forcing them to work without pay. According to union president Neil Thomas, this is the first time they’ve gone without a paycheck.

Thomas says members of West Point Professional Firefighter are owed around 13,000 hours of pay.

“We’re working 72 hours a week so it’s kind of hard to find another job to supplement your income when you’re working those kinds of hours,” said Union President Neil Thomas.

For weeks, he says members have reached out to elected officials, calling for the government to reopen. After many unanswered phone calls, Thomas says Sen. Chuck Schumer’s office got back to him for the first time Monday night.

Schumer’s office told him they’re working on reopening the government.

During this time, Thomas says the community has stepped up and the firefighters are so appreciative. However, the longer the government remains shut down, Thomas says his concerns are growing, which is why he’s asking people to continue to reach out to their elected officials.

"My concerns with this are that it's going to continue to happen every year and that this isn't going to be a one off. That we're just going to be used as pawns moving forward and that people's lives are going to have to be wondering where they're going to get their next paycheck from even though they're performing their work,” explained Thomas.

News 12 reached out to Schumer’s office, and a spokesperson says Schumer has a long history of delivering for West Point firefighters.

News 12 also reached out to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand for comment but has not heard back.