In today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Luis Jimenez, President of the International Association of Firefighters Local 735, discussed staffing and safety challenges facing the Bethlehem Fire Department in Pennsylvania. The conversation touched on Bethlehem’s evolving needs as a post-industrial city and the uphill battle to secure adequate staffing that meets national standards.
Jimenez began by addressing the department’s struggle to meet adequate staffing levels amid Bethlehem’s growth and development. While the department was once staffed with 116 personnel, current numbers hover around 100—despite the city’s population growing from 71,000 to 80,000 since the decline of Bethlehem Steel. At the same time, the city’s land has been redeveloped with casinos, hotels, and residential buildings, all of which require robust fire protection. Jimenez argued that as the city expands, fire staffing levels should grow accordingly to meet national safety benchmarks and ensure readiness for increasing call volume and more complex emergencies.
Jimenez recounted efforts to push city officials to gradually increase the department’s headcount to 140, a level he argued would better protect both the public and the firefighters themselves. However, these requests are often met with resistance based on budget constraints and a reluctance to prioritize long-term safety investments. He highlighted the dangers of insufficient staffing, such as not having enough personnel to respond adequately to house fires or larger commercial incidents. In cases where multiple emergencies occur simultaneously, resources become even further stretched, putting everyone at greater risk, Jimenez said.
Finally, Jimenez discussed the impact of current staffing on recruitment, training and mentorship. Whereas hiring events once drew hundreds of applicants, today’s numbers have dwindled, in part due to diminished pension benefits and fewer incentives. He said the lack of senior firefighters available to mentor new hires means less experienced teams face hazardous situations without the guidance once commonplace in the department. Jimenez emphasized that firefighters are not just budget line items and advocated for ongoing dialogue with public officials to invest in people before a tragedy forces their hand. He called on the community and leadership to recognize firefighters as essential public servants whose safety measures ultimately protect everyone in Bethlehem.
For more from Jimenez, listen to the full episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast above.
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