Beaumont City Council approves settlement in EMS civil service case – 12newsnow.com

BEAUMONT, Texas — The Beaumont City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a settlement in the ongoing legal case involving former firefighter Caleb Fenter and the Beaumont Professional Firefighters Association, effectively ending the city’s appeal over the civil service status of EMS workers.
The vote came after an executive session during the regular council meeting, marking a turning point in a case that began with a 2022 lawsuit filed by Fenter. He argued that when Beaumont Fire and Rescue absorbed EMS operations in 2021, emergency medical service personnel should have been sworn in as civil service employees, not treated as civilians.
RELATED: Judge rules Beaumont EMS workers must be classified as civil service employees, city may appeal
The case gained traction in May, when a district judge ruled in favor of EMS workers, stating the city must reclassify them as civil service employees. The ruling followed Fenter’s claim that EMS personnel were performing duties equivalent to firefighters and therefore deserved equal treatment in pay and benefits.
“EMS is about 80% of what a firefighter does,” said Local 399 union president Jeff Nesom, as quoted by our news partners, The Beaumont Enterprise. “Our firefighters right now are riding those ambulances and responding on ambulances… we believe that they should be treated the same way as us.”
While the exact terms of the settlement have not been disclosed, the city’s approval signals a resolution to a long-running dispute that union leaders say has impacted morale and retention.
“Our members are tired of dealing with a city that is not interested in solving this problem,” Nesom said earlier this year, warning that a prolonged fight could lead to staffing shortages.
The union has repeatedly pointed to Texas Government Code Chapter 143, which states that an employee of the fire department whose primary duties involve emergency medical services is to be considered a firefighter.
Following the court’s ruling in May, city spokesperson Tracy Kennick said Beaumont was “disappointed by the recent court order” and was “considering all avenues before committing to an appeal.” Tuesday’s council action indicates the city has since opted to end the appeals process.
Further details of the settlement have not yet been confirmed. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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