Burbank Airport Officers and Firefighters Raise Funds to Support Unpaid TSA Agents
TSA Officers Supported by Burbank Airport Firefighters and Police Amid Government Shutdown
At Hollywood Burbank Airport, police officers and firefighters are rallying to support their TSA colleagues affected by a prolonged partial government shutdown.
The situation stems from a funding deadlock that began on February 14, halting pay for TSA agents—many of whom have gone without compensation for over a month. The standoff centers on disagreements between Republicans and Democrats regarding funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which has led to the current lapse in government operations.
As travelers face increased wait times at security checkpoints, the impact of the shutdown has been significant, with reports indicating that more than 300 TSA agents have resigned since the shutdown started. In response, local safety personnel are stepping in to help their fellow workers at the Burbank airport.
Firefighters and police have initiated a fundraising effort, utilizing firefighter boots to collect donations from passengers. The collected funds will be converted into gas cards to aid TSA officers in commuting to their jobs amid rising gas prices.
“These people are patriots and great Americans,” stated Edward Skvarna, Director of Public Safety at Hollywood Burbank Airport. “To come in for 30 days and work without pay to keep the airline system operating, we can’t put passengers on airplanes if the TSOs aren’t screening them. So, it’s a huge debt of gratitude from the airport and the airport community.”
The conclusion of the partial government shutdown remains uncertain as of now. Friday marks three weeks since funding for the Department of Homeland Security expired, affecting various agencies, including FEMA and the Coast Guard. Today, lawmakers attempted to resolve the issue, but Democrats blocked the proposed funding, emphasizing their continued desire for changes to immigration enforcement measures.
Christian Cazares reports for NBC4 today at 4 p.m. on March 5, 2026.
