The Fire Service of Sachem City

In 2008, 240,000,000 people called 911.

They crashed their cars, suffered medical emergencies, or needed help escaping insufferable circumstances. This is the story of the 136 firefighters that answered the bell for the 80,000 residents of Sachem City. Formally known as the home of the Industrial Revolution, Sachem City now exists on the perpetual edge of financial collapse. Yet that cataclysm occurs anyway after the 2008 economic crash.

As the fiscal crisis deepens, and with their contract expiring, dozens of firefighters are forced to retire. Those who remain must now decide-either work ninety-six-hour weeks with rolling-blackouts closing stations, or walk out the door with nothing.

The Fire Service of Sachem City follows members of Fire Academy Class 61 as they break into this hyper-insular world. Founded by volunteers in 1801, two centuries later the new recruits quickly find out that while traditions may be handed down, respect is only earned.