A Growing City, a Shrinking Fire Department: Bethlehem Deserves Better

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BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Bethlehem firefighters are calling on City Council to take immediate action on what they describe as a long-standing and increasingly dangerous staffing shortage within the city’s fire department. Union leaders say the issue has reached a critical point, prompting a direct appeal for the city to amend its 2026 budget to increase the department’s staffing to 108 firefighters.

Lou Jimenez, president of IAFF Local 735 and a 15-year Bethlehem firefighter, said current levels fall far below the nationally recommended standards and no longer match the demands of a rapidly growing city. “Bethlehem is expanding in every direction — apartments, warehouses, restaurants, and millions of visitors — but our fire department has fewer firefighters today than it did decades ago,” Jimenez said. “That’s not just concerning. It’s a crisis.”

A recent staffing and response study commissioned by the International Association of Fire Fighters shows Bethlehem typically operates with 18 firefighters on duty citywide, occasionally dropping to 17. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1710 recommends 31 firefighters per shift for a city of Bethlehem’s size, density, and call volume.

Jimenez said the gap affects emergency response times and the ability of crews to safely perform rescues and fire suppression. “Seconds matter in a fire,” he said. “We’re operating with too few firefighters, and that margin for error is completely gone.”

The union argues that Bethlehem’s transformation since the days of Bethlehem Steel — which once operated its own fire service — has only increased the pressure on city firefighters. The original industrial footprint has evolved into high-density residential developments, entertainment districts, 24-hour warehouses, and tourism venues drawing more than 2 million visitors annually, including roughly 1.45 million during Musikfest alone.

“All of it falls on the Bethlehem Fire Department,” Jimenez said. “Yet the staffing has moved backward while the risk profile of the city has skyrocketed.”

Firefighters say mandatory overtime has become the only way to keep fire companies in service, raising concerns about fatigue and safety. Several firefighters have retired due to line-of-duty injuries, and incidents have included maydays and close calls.

To address the issue, Local 735 is urging City Council to support a budget amendment adding four firefighter positions in 2026, bringing the total to 108. Jimenez said the additional staffing would allow the Northwest Fire Station to operate with a dedicated company officer on every shift, rather than shifting an officer from Memorial Fire Station to cover two districts simultaneously.

“We’re asking for the staffing needed to protect the people who live here and visit here,” he said. “This is a basic public safety measure, not a luxury.”

Jimenez issued a direct call to the community and supporters of the staffing increase: residents are encouraged to attend the December 2 City Council Meeting at 7 p.m. and the December 4 Budget Meeting at 6 p.m., both held in the City Hall Rotunda, to speak in favor of the budget amendment.

He also noted that residents who cannot attend in person can still participate. Emails of support may be sent to [email protected]
, and they will be forwarded to members of City Council.

Jimenez emphasized that this is a pivotal moment for public safety in Bethlehem. “City Council has an opportunity right now to make Bethlehem safer. Pass the amendment. Bring us to 108. Give us the staffing this city deserves.”

He added that community voices are crucial. “Your support matters. If residents want a fire department capable of protecting a growing city, now is the time to show up, speak out, and be heard.”