In a new event for the administration and the city in general, Mayor Bob Donchez filled the Rotunda Jan. 30 with celebrants to the first-ever joint police/fire department promotion ceremony.

The departments have traditionally held separate ceremonies, and the 13 city employees honored – along with their families, friends, co-workers, retired mentors and we media – clogged the city's round room for an hourlong presentation to mark the accomplishments of a community.

Deputy Fire Chief Bob Novatnack, who will soon be promoted, said his people provide many services and praised new efforts to improve coordination between departments. "There's so much more we can do for the people of Bethlehem," he said. We're turning a corner." He spoke specifically of a new liaison with the 911 center and an emergency management coordinator to maintain certifications, but also thanked all the help they get from home. "Your support is key," he told the many family members present.

New Police Chief Mark DiLuzio said he's now overseeing one of the best law enforcement agencies in the state. "I have over the past years learned something from all of you," he said, "We learned together, came together, and it made us better officers and better human beings to police our communities.

"For 33 years I've always loved my job. Let me rephrase it: My profession – it doesn't stop after eight hours." DiLuzio said he visited a crime scene only days earlier. He told officers surprised by his presence, "I might be the chief but I'm still a cop. Get used to it."

Calling police, firefighters and emergency personnel ambassadors of the city, Donchez said, "Our public safety personnel make the city of Bethlehem the best place to live, to work and to raise a family." He also called DiLuzio and Novatnack two great leaders.

Police officers and the year they joined the department are; Lt. Anthony Leardi, commander of 2nd Platoon, '94; Sgt. Michael Ogrodnick, '95; Sgt. Keane Knappenberger,'01; Sgt. Benjamin Hackett, animal control officer, '04; Sgt. Jonathan Isaac, K9 night shift officer, '94.

Firefighters and the year they joined the department are; Assistant Chief Warren Achey, fire investigator and 2nd Platoon leader, '92; Assistant Chief Craig Baer, investigator and hoseman, '96 (Baer's father, Bob, is a 37-year firefighter who retired the very next day); Capt. Anthony Facchiano, training captain, '95; Capt. John Vargo, special teams captain, '99; Lt. Mark Litak, investigator and water rescue trainer, '00; Lt. Sean P. O'Hearn, in-service and business inspections, '97; Lt. Erik Roberts, credentialing and logistics, '04.