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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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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 Bullis
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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.
Photos from Tiffany's Cupcakery's post ... See MoreSee Less
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Today, 0600-1600 Bethlehem Firefighters staffed Engine 7 and acted as 20E4 on the south side of Easton. Engine 7 was also accompanied by BFD’s Deputy Chief (1060). This was done so that the entire EFD department had time to grieve at the Funeral of FF/Brother Tyler Weidner.
Local 735 sends our sincere condolences to the family of Tyler and the entire Easton Fire Department. RIP Brother Weidner thank you for everything you sacrificed along the way. ... See MoreSee Less
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This Thursday, September 11th, the IAFF Local 735 (BFD) will be playing the FOP Star Lodge 20 (BPD) in our annual 9/11 Memorial Softball Game. Every year we come together honor our brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who still suffer today from the events taken place in 2001.
Along with us doing this event as a memorial, it is a fun time for us as the players and union members. So far, the police have only won a handful of times. Maybe it’s their year… we sure as well hope not! To all those playing, be safe and keep the fun going all night!
#brotherhood #bethlehemsbravest #ppffa #IAFF Bethlehem Star Lodge #20 FOP ... See MoreSee Less
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To All, if it’s in your heart to help, please consider donating to support Easton Firefighters Local 713 Tyler Weidner’s fiancée Kerry and their little boy, Sawyer or making a donation to Easton IAFF Local 713. Any amount will help ease the burdens they now face.
Donations may also be sent directly to Easton IAFF Local 713 at:
11 N 6th St, Easton, PA 18042.
If you cannot give, please keep them lifted in prayer and share to spread the word. Rest in Peace Brother Weidner #IAFF #ppffa #brotherhood 🇺🇸🚒🙏 ... See MoreSee Less
Click here to show your support to Kaitlyn Radogna's story *InMemoryOfTylerWeidner
www.spotfund.com
I don’t know how to start this, so I guess I just will. Tyler was everything my family wanted for my little sister and more. He was a dedicated father, and the most loyal husband-to-be. He was compa...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Bethlehem Firefighters IAFF Local 735 extends our deepest condolences to the family of Firefighter Tyler Weidner and to our brothers of Easton Firefighters IAFF Local 713.
Please know that we stand with you in this difficult time and are here to offer any support we can.
Rest in peace, Brother. 🇺🇸🚒 #IAFF #ppffa ... See MoreSee Less
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CONGRATULATIONS BROTHER
TONY PRELETZ ON YOUR RETIREMENT
Today we celebrate the retirement of Assistant Chief Tony Preletz, closing out an extraordinary 30-year career of service, leadership, and dedication to the City of Bethlehem.
Brother Preletz served in many capacities throughout his career, culminating in his final assignment as Assistant Chief of the First Platoon. Known as a resident expert, he was the person many turned to for guidance, steady, knowledgeable, and always ready with a solution. His “can-do” attitude defined him, if there was an issue, Tony found a way to fix it.
But his impact went far beyond the fireground. Chief Preletz was a mentor to countless firefighters, always willing to share his experience to prepare the next generation for the challenges of the job. He was also a proud and active member of our Local, never hesitating to stand shoulder to shoulder with his brothers and sisters whether advocating for firefighters, attending union events, or lending a hand whenever it was needed.
Respected by all who worked alongside him, Tony leaves behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the fire service and the labor movement.
On behalf of IAFF Local 735, we thank Assistant Chief Preletz for his decades of service and brotherhood. Congratulations on a well-earned retirement brother you will always remain part of our family. May your retirement be happy, healthy, and long! #IAFF #ppffa #local735 #bethlehemsbravest 🚒🇺🇸 ... See MoreSee Less
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As seen from City Hall, fully involved car fire on the Lehigh University Campus. Engine1, Engine3, and Ladder1 responding. 4th Platoon working hard at shift change to extinguish the fire.
#bethlehemsbravest #ppffa #local735 ... See MoreSee Less
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Since June, when the 25-01 class graduated, the new firefighters have been working on refining their driver/operator skills. They went through hours of driving each apparatus to ensure their confidence on the many streets, no matter how tight, in our lovely city.
The images attached are of the pump operator training. They had to flow multiple hand lines off the apparatus, as well as master streams and feed the arial. The classes from the academy taught them the math and methods required to do so without over pressurizing any of the multiple lines. We taught the ability to do so on our equipment.
Also seen below is the aerial from Engine5 in use. The aerial operator section requires the driver to understand how to position the apparatus in order to flow water, or be used to make access and rescues from buildings. These images do not show them setting up at a building, but they had plenty of fun doing that as well.
Thank you to the members who worked with the NEW GUYS to get them prepared for their responsibilities they now have as driver/operators. Congratulations to the brothers who have passed this milestone in their young careers.
#bethlehemsbravest #ppffa #local735 ... See MoreSee Less
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Yesterday at 0825, Engine 6, Engine 9, Engine 3, Ladder 2, Utility 1, and Utility 2 were dispatched to the report of an MVA with rollover and entrapment on Route 378. Crews quickly arrived on scene establised command, confirmed entrapment and swiftly extricated the Victim.
3rd Platoon working.
#bethlehemsbraves #local735 #ppffa ... See MoreSee Less
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