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Kyle Dolton2025-05-15 10:53:572025-05-15 21:19:16510 Flats Fire Response Demonstrates Professionalism and Resilience
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Kyle Dolton
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Kyle Dolton2025-05-15 10:53:572025-05-15 21:19:16510 Flats Fire Response Demonstrates Professionalism and Resilience
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Mike Bullis
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Mike Bullis2025-03-31 19:19:022025-03-31 19:20:083-alarm fire in Bethlehem displaces residents, injures 2 firefighters
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Mike Bullis2025-01-25 19:08:092025-03-31 19:09:07Crews respond to Bethlehem home firesign up for our newsletter
Our Mission Statement
Bethlehem Firefighters IAFF Local 735 is dedicated to improving the safety, working conditions, and overall well-being of our members. We are committed to advocating for fair wages, hour, and benefits, while promoting unity and collective bargaining rights at all levels. Our mission includes fosteringstrong relationships amoung our members and enhancing the public’s understanding of the vital role we play in protecting our comminity. Together, we strive to ensure the highest of standards of service and saftey for both our firefighters and the citizens we proudly serve.
How we operate
Local 735 serves four platoons on a rotating schedule: two 9-hour day shifts followed by two 15-hour night shifts, then four days off. Union members attend meetings while off-duty to stay involved and informed. We’re also proud to support our community through public events, charitable drives, and local outreach efforts.
The City of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a city rich in history and cultural significance. Covering an area of approximately 19 square miles, and it is home to a diverse population. One of Bethlehem’s most notable events is Musikfest, the nation’s largest free, non-gated music festival. In 2023, Musikfest celebrated its 40th anniversary with a record-breaking attendance of 1,330,000 people, featuring over 450 performers from 26 states and eight countries.
EMS in the Local
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a critical component of public safety—when seconds count, our community depends on a rapid, skilled response. Since 2007, all members of our department have been required to hold EMT certification in order to meet Quick Response Service (QRS) standards.
While our firefighters do not staff ambulances directly, we support EMS operations in other essential ways. Ambulances are housed at Stations 1 and 6, and our personnel are responsible for driving these units to the hospital when needed. This integration was designed to expand coverage across a broader area of the city, enhancing service availability for residents.
At this time, paramedics are not represented under IAFF Local 735.
Congratulations, Ryan Preletz
We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ryan on the successful completion of his Eagle Scout project. Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is an outstanding accomplishment and a true testament to your dedication, leadership, and commitment to serving others.
We are especially honored that you chose to support our department by designing and building a custom gear dryer for our members. This is an absolutely wonderful piece of equipment to have as it will play a vital role in helping us dry and maintain our gear more effectively, keeping our members safer and more prepared for the next call.
Ryan, we are proud of you not just for reaching for this milestone, but for the thoughtfulness and hard work you put into a project that directly benefits those who serve this community. Thank you for thinking of us. Your effort and generosity mean a great deal to all of us at Local 735. ... See MoreSee Less
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Earlier today, July 21, Engine 6 and Engine 9 on 1st Platoon and BEMS were dispatched to an MVA with roll over Route 22 Eastbound. Multiple vehicles were involved with a fuel leak.
Hazmat 1 was added to the call along with Hazmat Technicians from Ladder 1 and Engine 3. Crews worked to offload the fuel from the overturned vehicles, provide fire protection, and help the tow companies get the road way clear.
Thank you to all involved on this call. A lot of hard work and training was required to complete all tasks.
#ppffa #IAFF #bethlehemsbravest ... See MoreSee Less
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🚒🚨TIME IS RUNNING OUT🚨🚒
Thinking about a career in the fire service? The City of Bethlehem is accepting applications for the 2025 Firefighter Civil Service Exam but not for much longer.
Application Deadline: August 1, 2025
Exam Date: August 23, 2025
Starting Salary (2026): $60,673
Represented by IAFF Local 735
Minimum Requirements:
-U.S. citizenship or naturalization
-18 years of age by August 1, 2025
-High school diploma or GED
-Valid driver’s license
-Must live within 15 miles of City Hall within 1 year of hire
Benefits include:
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 20-Year Pension
• Excellent Health Insurance
• Special Team Opportunities
• Educational Assistance
Apply today and become part of something bigger your community needs you.
Visit www.bethlehem-pa.gov/Fire/Recruitment or scan the QR code on the flyer to get started.
#IAFF #PPFFA #bethlehemsbravest #Local735 ... See MoreSee Less
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NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
The City of Bethlehem is seeking motivated individuals to join the Fire Department. The 2025 Firefighter Civil Service Exam is your chance to begin a rewarding career serving the community.
Apply: June 30 – August 1, 2025
Exam Date: August 23, 2025
Starting Salary (2026): $60,673
13 Paid Holidays, 20-Year Pension, Excellent Health Benefits, Special Team Opportunities (Technical Rescue, Hazardous Materials, Water Rescue, Bomb Squad), Educational Assistance
Members of the Bethlehem Fire Department are represented by IAFF Local 735.
Minimum Requirements:
-Must be 18 years of age by August 1, 2025
-U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization
-High School Diploma or GED
-Valid Driver’s License
-Must live within 15 miles of City Hall within 1 year of hire
Visit: www.bethlehem-pa.gov/Fire/Recruitment or scan the QR code to learn more and apply. ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations to Brother Joshua Lynn on His Promotion to Lieutenant!
This morning, a small ceremony was held in the Mayor’s Office to officially recognize the promotion of Joshua Lynn to the rank of Lieutenant in the Bethlehem Fire Department.
Lieutenant Lynn has served our community with distinction since joining the department in 2013. Most recently, he was assigned as the Driver/Operator of Ladder 2 on the 4th Platoon. He will now begin the next chapter of his career as a Lieutenant on the 2nd Platoon.
Beyond his dedication on the fireground, Brother Lynn has been an active and committed member of IAFF Local 735, serving on the Good and Benevolent Committee and previously contributing to the Constitution and Bylaws Committee.
We thank Lieutenant Lynn for his continued service to our department and our Local, and we wish him great success in his new role. Congratulations!
#IAFF #PPFFA #Local735 #Bethlehemsbravest 🇺🇸🚒 ... See MoreSee Less
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🚒PUBLIC SAFETY BULLETIN🚒
-The same staffing situation is occurring here in Bethlehem and it has for years. We fall way beneath the National Recommendations of 4 firefighters per Fire Apparatus. Many of our fire apparatus are only staffed with 2 Firefighters, even lower than in Fall River where this fire occurred. Our city is growing and prospering, it’s time our Fire Department does the same. Staffing Matters, it is a life or death situation for our residents and firefighters alike. Investing in staffing is critical. It is only a matter of time before this can happen right here in Bethlehem. Help us in our efforts to gain the PROPER staffing our city deserves. It is in investment in our future! #IAFF #PPFFA #Local735 #Bethlehemsbravest 🇺🇸🚒 ... See MoreSee Less
Union says understaffing delayed rescues during deadly Fall River fire
bit.ly
The union representing Fall River firefighters says Sunday night's deadly fire at the Gabriel House Assisted Living Residence.3 CommentsComment on Facebook
911 Service has been restored ... See MoreSee Less
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🚨 EMERGENCY ALERT 🚨
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency has announced a statewide intermittent 911 outage. If you are experiencing issues contacting 911, do not wait—contact your local 911 Center using their non-emergency line.
Northampton County Communications can be reached directly at 610-759-2200 until 911 services are fully restored. ... See MoreSee Less
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Public Safety Alert: Firefighter Staffing and NFPA 1710
The nation’s leading fire service organizations including the IAFF and International Association of Fire Chiefs recognize NFPA 1710 as the national standard for firefighter deployment and staffing in career departments.
According to NFPA 1710, every fire engine and ladder truck should be staffed with a minimum of four firefighters to ensure a safe and effective emergency response for both the public and the fire crews on scene.
Unfortunately, Bethlehem currently does not meet this recommended national standard. It’s not uncommon for fire companies in our city to respond with only two firefighters half of what is considered the minimum safe staffing level.
While our members remain committed to delivering the highest level of service under challenging circumstances, we believe the public deserves to know how these conditions impact emergency response and firefighter safety.
We continue to advocate for improved staffing that aligns with national best practices, ensuring that every neighborhood in Bethlehem receives the protection it deserves.
📖 Learn more about NFPA 1710: brnw.ch/1710
#IAFF #PPFFA #Local735 #Bethlehemsbravest #staffingmatters ... See MoreSee Less
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