Beaumont’s fire chief told negotiators that fleet maintenance and staffing issues have reduced available units temporarily, and he described supply‑chain delays for parts as a primary cause.

Details: The chief reported that one ladder truck (Truck 11) had been taken out of service for mechanical work and that med units had been reduced from nine to eight because of mechanical problems and a lack of reserves. The chief said five new med units are being outfitted and that some additional reserves could be placed in service by March–May, subject to parts and shop availability. Negotiators discussed whether a med unit (Med 7) was out of service for staffing reasons or mechanical reasons; the chief said the department reduced active med units to maintain required reserves after equipment failures.

Staffing context: Union negotiators said vacancies (figures cited at different times as 12, 17 and 19) and retirements are driving overtime and service gaps. City negotiators said additional positions have been budgeted and that filling them takes time; they asked the union to confirm exact vacancy counts so both sides use the same data.

Next steps: The parties agreed to verify vacancy numbers and for the city to provide more detailed fleet repair timing and procurement status for reserve apparatus.