Bethlehem’s firefighting heritage stretches back to the colonial era, when an early volunteer bucket brigade formed to answer blazes in a burgeoning Moravian settlement. In 1763, the town imported what is believed to be the first hand‑pumped fire engine in America from London, marking a pioneering moment in U.S. fire service history. Local volunteers continued to organize firefighting efforts throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, documented in Chris Eline’s detailed history covering 1741–1917.

Transition to a Centralized Department (1890–1942)

In response to rapid industrial growth and devastating downtown fires, Bethlehem’s town council authorized construction of a Central Fire Station on April 21, 1890, unifying scattered volunteer companies under one roof. By the early 20th century, the department evolved into an all‑career organization, formalizing professional standards and acquiring multiple modern pumpers and ladder trucks to serve a growing population.

Formation of IAFF Local 735 (1942)

As the career department matured, firefighters sought collective bargaining rights and professional representation. In 1942, they chartered IAFF Local 735, exclusively representing Bethlehem’s career firefighters—and one of the few IAFF locals in the region affiliated with a fire‑department‑run Bomb Squad. From its founding, Local 735 has negotiated wages, benefits, and safety standards for over 100 members protecting 19.6 square miles and 78,000 residents.

Expansion of Services and EMS Integration (1972–Present)

In 1972, the department integrated Emergency Medical Services, operating the first municipal ambulance out of Central Station and answering 1,200 EMS calls in its inaugural year. Since then, Bethlehem firefighters have added specialized units—including HazMat, Technical Rescue, Marine Operations, and a four‑member Bomb Squad—to address evolving community risks.

Over recent decades, Local 735 has championed improvements in fire‑ground safety, training, and equipment, from switching to PFAS‑free foam in 2024 to securing ProBoard® certifications for all special‑team members. Today, the department fields 104 career firefighters across multiple stations, maintains a modern apparatus fleet, and stands ready 24/7 to serve its historic city.

Community Legacy

Across nearly three centuries, the Bethlehem Fire Department and Local 735 have grown from bucket brigades to a fully careered, nationally recognized force. Their enduring commitment—rooted in Moravian spirit—continues to guide innovations in fire protection, emergency medicine, and labor representation, ensuring the safety and well‑being of Bethlehem’s citizens for generations to come.