Company 1 – Schweder Station
Company 1 is the largest of Bethlehem’s four fire stations and is home to a total of eight firefighters and two officers, including the Officer in Charge (OIC). The daily staffing includes three Driver/Operators and three Firefighters.
This station houses seven pieces of apparatus, including two ambulances.
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Medic 1 is a fully staffed ALS unit with two paramedics.
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The second ambulance serves as a reserve unit.
Schweder Station features a sub-level storage facility, two truck bay floors, and a training room where firefighters can participate in continuing education and skills development.
Contact Company 1:
📞 610-856-7191
Engine 1
2013 Pierce Dash CF
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Pump: Pierce PUC 1,500 GPM (Pierce Ultimate Configuration)
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Crew: 3 Firefighters — 1 Officer, 1 Driver/Operator, 1 Firefighter
Engine 1 is the first-due engine for the South Side and responds citywide on third-alarm assignments. Known for its reliability and versatility, it’s one of the department’s most active and capable units.
Built on the Pierce Dash CF chassis, Engine 1 features the Pierce Ultimate Configuration — a compact pump design that improves maneuverability and allows the operator to pump and drive simultaneously.
In addition to fire suppression, Engine 1 also serves as a rescue engine for the South Side, supporting technical rescues and special operations. Its dual role, experienced crew, and advanced apparatus make it a key asset and a source of pride for the department.
Ladder 1
2009 Pierce Arrow XT
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Aerial: 105’ Heavy-Duty Rear-Mount
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Crew: 2 Firefighters — 1 Driver, 1 Hoseman
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2024 Call Volume: Approximately 600 runs
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Role: First-due ladder on the South Side, second-due on the North Side, responds citywide on all second alarms
Ladder 1 operates out of the South Side and serves as the first-due truck for that district. It also responds as second-due ladder on the North Side and is dispatched citywide on all second-alarm assignments.
Built on a 2009 Pierce Arrow XT chassis, this 105’ rear-mount aerial is one of three ladder trucks in the city. While it doesn’t carry water or have a pump, it plays a key support role at structure fires and technical rescue incidents.
Ladder 1 is equipped with a variety of rescue tools and support equipment, including escape packs, air monitoring devices, and high-powered ventilation fans used for confined space operations. In 2024, it responded to roughly 600 calls, with a mix of fire, rescue, and support runs.
Ladder 1 is a dependable part of the department’s operations and fills a necessary role in both fireground support and technical rescue coverage.
Engine 3
2021 Pierce Enforcer
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Pump: Hale Qmax-150, 1,500 GPM
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Crew: 2 Firefighters — 1 Driver/Operator, 1 Firefighter
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Role: Second-due engine on the South Side, Designated Quick Response Service unit, Northampton County Hazmat Team
Engine 3 serves as the second-due engine company on the South Side and is dispatched citywide for all third-alarm assignments. Built on a 2021 Pierce Enforcer chassis, it features a Hale Qmax-150 pump capable of delivering 1,500 gallons per minute.
This engine plays a unique role on the South Side. In addition to standard firefighting duties, Engine 3 carries select hazardous materials response equipment and is assigned to certain EMS calls within its district, often arriving ahead of ambulances to provide initial patient care or scene support.
With its versatile response profile and modern build, Engine 3 is a reliable asset in both day-to-day operations and large-scale incidents.
Utility 2
Utility 2 — Assistant Chief’s Vehicle
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Type: Command/Utility Vehicle
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Crew: Officer in Charge
Utility 2 serves as the primary vehicle for the Assistant Chief or Officer in Charge. This command vehicle is equipped with communications gear and other essential tools needed to manage incidents and coordinate department operations in the field.
As a mobile command post, Utility 2 enables the Officer in Charge to maintain situational awareness, direct resources, and provide leadership across multiple scenes throughout the city. Reliable and ready, it’s an essential part of the department’s incident management system.
Utility 3
Utility 3 — 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Heavy Duty
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Crew: Not staffed
Utility 3 is a versatile and essential support vehicle that fills many roles for the department.
This heavy-duty Dodge Ram 3500 transports firefighters, tows trailers for boats and UTVs, plows snow during winter months, and carries a “snow load” of fire hose for quick deployment in harsh conditions. Additionally, it serves as the department’s brush unit, providing off-road access for wildland and brush fire responses.
By handling a wide range of tasks, Utility 3 helps keep department operations running smoothly across multiple mission types.