Bethlehem, PA 2012

[ncoliva1200]

http://bethlehem-pa.gov/jobs/fire.htm

[rescue_1]

Does anyone here work with/near Bethlehem? And if so, could they tell us a little about the department?
Like run volume, how much fire/rescue/EMS calls, staffing issues, morale, that kind of thing.

Thanks in advance

[ncoliva1200]

I'm also looking for some information. The city website and IAFF local website are kinda dated and don't provide much information. From another online source, someone posted:

"no residency required, work 2 day, 2 night, 4 off schedule. got told theres no vacancys but there list expired"

[Kevin Rice]

Any input on the department as whole morale, training, promotions etc

[rescue_1]

I do know they run 2 man apparatus, from reading news articles. I think they have around 20 FFs on duty at any given shift.

[deadbear271]

Are they hiring or just compiling a list?

[FWDbuff]

I used to live in Bethlehem, and currently live in a neighboring community. They have about 4 or 5 engines (one acts as a "Squad" and I think might be manned with 4 guys) and two aerials. Yes manning on pieces is very low, I think minumum is 2 on engines and aerials will go driver only if manning is not available unless things have changed. They also have "trucks" in the 2 double stations in the City- suburbans where 2 guys will jump in and run across town to a working fire leaving one or two back to run the calls on that side of town while praying nothing happens. I dont know how they get away with what they do and how they have not had more serious injuries or god forbid worse over the years. Serious working fires will get M/A from the City of Allentown and Easton, calling neighboring vollies (even if they are closer) is absolutely verboten unless half the city is about to vaporize. The union hates the vollies even though half the members of the union are also vollies elsewhere.....I also heard a rumor (strictly rumor mind you) that the city was going to use funding from the Sands Casino to pad the budget and hire some more FF's for each shift and try to bring manning up to 3 per piece. As is the case in several Pennsylvania cities, BFD handles the Bomb Squad, so if you have training in that field you might want to make it known. (or not!)


Shifts are identical to Philly- (2) 10 hour days, (2) 14 hour nights, 4 days off. They see a fair amount of work as Bethlehem is a very old steel mill town. Downtown is a mix, you'll find anything and everything and not that many highrises (but they are there.) Bethlehem is home to Lehigh University and Moravian College. Musikfest in the summertime is a blast.

[mikebfc]

Got my email with the test date information in it today. Anyone have any idea of the total number of applicants?

[doc13mets]

anyone else suprised by how few people were at the test... the lady told me it was under 200

[doc13mets]

I took the test with a friend... today that friend received an email stating he failed the test... I have received nothing... I tried calling the HR department because I was surprised he got some result and I didn't receive a result. The lady just stated twice that I would receive a letter by mail this week. Has anyone else received anything via email?

[doc13mets]

I see Bethlehem was awarded a SAFER grant for $670,580.00. Anyone know how many they are looking to hire? Also would anyone know how many guys they have lined up to retire over the next few years? Would love to get a job in this department and really want to see what my chances are! Thanks!