Thirty-two federal employees working to keep the skies above Rochester safe are working without a paycheck as the government shutdown lingers, but their hard work isn't going unnoticed. 

Dess Ivanov remembers the support he and his family received when he moved to Western New York from Bulgaria.

"Everyone's gotten some kind of help in some way," said Dess Ivanov, owner of Chester Cab Pizza.

Now, he's giving back by providing food to local air traffic controllers.

"They're up there and they're saving everyone that's on planes and they're keeping everybody on track and it's one of the hardest jobs I think mentally,” said Ivanov.

His business plans to send pizzas to the air traffic controllers every other day until the shutdown ends and he is encouraging other businesses to do what they can to help too.

"I implore all the other businesses, all the other restaurants with great food, send some food. Send some free food to these guys. These guys are working hard for no money right now," said Ivanov.

Employees tell Spectrum News they're grateful for not only a meal, but recognition from the community.

"The community outreach has been wonderful," said Local President of NATCA Ken Springer. "Even from across the border, our partners to the north, Canadian air traffic control association has been generous sending us pizza." 

According to Springer, employees haven't been paid since December 31.

"We were supposed to get paid yesterday, but a lot of our checks came in with zeros. I was fortunate and got 41 cents," said Springer.

Springer says this is not their first shutdown, but it is the longest one.

"I wish I could say with confidence that this will end soon but we just don't know," said Springer.

One thing federal workers can count on is a delivery from Chester Cab Pizza.

"I'm just happy to be able to help out with something. It's not much but it's all I can do for a small business," said Ivanov.