Federal firefighters at San Antonio’s Lackland, Randolph and Fort Sam Houston military bases fight fires, respond to medical emergencies, inspect buildings and save lives.

However, they haven’t been paid in a month because they’re in a category of workers furloughed during the government shutdown.

The shutdown has pressed into its third week.

“Even though people are shut down and going home we still have to show up every day,” Jesse Rico said. “We don’t get to make business decisions. We have to actually show up and fight fire, respond to medical emergencies.”

Rico is a firefighter at Lackland Air Force Base and the president of the firefighter’s association for all the local bases. He said his members are struggling and worried.

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