Submarine Base Firefighters Threatened In Federal Budget Cuts

GROTON, CT — Naval Submarine Base firefighters are asking residents to reach out to their representatives as new executive orders have threatened their job security.

Submarine Base Firefighters Local F-219 posted the following on Facebook:

"We urgently need your assistance in light of recent developments. New Executive Orders threaten the job security of our probationary firefighters, which could have a profound negative impact on our capacity to carry out our duties safely.

"We strongly encourage you to reach out to your local state representatives to share your concerns about these Executive Orders. It is imperative that we stand together to safeguard the dedicated individuals of the IAFF 16th District. Your advocacy is crucial in ensuring that we can continue to serve our community effectively. Thank you for your support."

The news comes after the Department of Defense issued a memo last week stating that it was "re-evaluating our probationary workforce." The department anticipates the civilian workforce will be cut by 5 to 8%.

"We expect approximately 5,400 probationary workers will be released beginning next week as part of this initial effort, after which we will implement a hiring freeze while we conduct a further analysis of our personnel needs, complying as always with all applicable laws," the memo reads.

A representative for the firefighters' union referred comment to the Naval Submarine Base's public information officer. The public information officer referred comment to the The Office of the Secretary of Defense's Public Affairs Office, which did not respond to a request for comment.

President Donald Trump's administration has also halted funding for federal programs designed to reduce wildfire risk in Western U.S. states and has frozen hiring seasonal firefighters, according to Reuters.