Judge Rules Beaumont (TX) EMS Workers Must Be Classified as Civil Service Employees

Beaumont EMS workers secured a victory as a judge ruled that they must be classified as civil service employees rather than civilians.

The decision stems from a 2022 lawsuit filed by former Beaumont Fire and Rescue paramedic Caleb Fenter, who argued EMS workers should have been sworn in when the fire department absorbed the EMS division in 2021.

As civil service employees, EMS workers will be entitled to the pay and better benefits received by firefighters.

“Our firefighters right now are riding those ambulances and responding on ambulances right now just as they are and we believe that they should be treated the same way as us,” Local 399 president Jeffrey Neesha told 12 News Now.

A city spokesperson said the city is considering its options before deciding whether to appeal.

Visit 12 News Now for more.

Camden County (NC) Launches New EMS Agency

Camden County is launching its first EMS agency this weekend, after years of relying on neighboring Pasquotank County.

Dallas Fire-Rescue Launches Blood Transfusion Program

Dallas Fire-Rescue launched a pilot program to equip its ambulances with whole blood supplies.