The International Association of Fire Fighters sent a letter to Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter, warning that security at military installations in the Washington, D.C., area is at risk because of vacancies in the fire departments responsible for responding to emergencies. Federal fire departments at the Washington Navy Yard, the Naval Research Lab and Bolling Air Force Base are short at least 14 firefighters, however, naval district of Washington regional Fire Chief Edward Stillwell said that 12 of those positions will not be filled because of high overtime costs.

“The Naval District of Washington Regional Fire Department’s approach doesn’t add up, jeopardizes the safety of firefighters and places important federal facilities at risk,” said IAFF 16th district Vice President Jim Johnson, who represents firefighters at federal installations.

“Personnel shortages hinder our ability to protect our important federal facilities and make it harder for fire fighters to do our jobs safely,” said Greg Russell, president of the National Capital Professional Federal Fire Fighters Local 121.