Firefighters urge four-person engine crews and seek concessions in CBA talks

David Gonzales, president of the Regal Firefighters Association, told the council the union has substantially narrowed its demands in recent negotiations but still needs additional funding and staffing to address safety and retention.

"We're asking for basically every fire truck to be mandated to to be manned with 4 firefighters, every day," Gonzales said, arguing that four-person crews reduce workload, speed operations at major fires and medical calls, and improve safety for firefighters and residents. He said approximately 20% of the union's current request is dedicated to manpower rather than direct pay or benefits and that staffing increases are intended to address response capacity as the city grows.

Gonzales told council the union weighed concessions and retention mechanisms—such as structured incentive packages for longevity—while noting that a city-funded study had cost "close to a $250,000" and showed the department's pay and benefits trail other large departments in the state. He urged council to consider modest additional funding to secure manpower that could save lives and reduce firefighter injuries.

Council members asked for clarification on whether the request required new hires or overtime; Gonzales said the goal is a sustained four-person staffing model achievable through hiring or planned overtime until hires are trained. The council later moved to continue negotiations and directed counsel and staff to pursue the talks.