Members of the Bethlehem City Council Public Safety Committee got a tour of the city's 911 center prior to their meeting April 7. Committee Chair Eric Evans and committee members Cathy Reuscher and Louis Stellato were joined by council members Adam Waldron and Michael Recchiuti for the tour. Evans said he was "very impressed." He said the city's emergency services "have always had a great reputation."

Police Chief Mark DiLuzio told committee members that Bethlehem opened its Emergency Communication Center in 1934. The center has handled all emergency calls for police, fire and rescue since then. When Pennsylvania adopted the 911 system in 1990, Bethlehem's Center had already been in operation for 56 years.

Today the Bethlehem Police 911 Center employs a director of 911 as well as 20 full-time and 5 part-time 911 dispatchers. The 911 Center handles more than 50,000 911 calls and another 150,000 related calls each year.

The Bethlehem Police 911 Center now also accepts "Text 911" calls, sharing software and equipment for this feature with Allentown 911 Center and Northampton County 911 Center. This sharing of infrastructure and equipment is nothing new, DiLuzio said, adding it is budget-friendly as costs are divided among those sharing the equipment.

Another sharing plan is in the works, DiLuzio told council members, saying a 911 Phone Switch Hookup with Northampton County 911 and Allentown Police 911 Center should be operational by June.

Long-term plans for 2016 include sharing radio systems by both Bethlehem and Allentown 911 Centers. Over time, sharing equipment will save both cities funds on upgrades, fees and maintenance agreements, DiLuzio said.

"Why purchase three systems when you can do one," he asked, saying Bethlehem is working with Lehigh County 911, Northampton County 911, and Allentown 911 to share infrastructure, software and equipment to jointly reduce 911 costs and to reduce duplication of services and purchase of products.

Another sharing plan is in the works, Chief Di Luzio told council members, adding a 911 Phone Switch Hookup with Northampton County 911 and Allentown Police 911 Center should be operational by June 2015.

Long-term plans for 2016 include sharing radio systems by both Bethlehem and Allentown 911 Centers. Over time, sharing equipment will save both cities funds on upgrades, fees and maintenance agreement, DiLuzio said.

He said he has been in contact with PEMA and state representatives and state senators regarding 911 legislation, as they are considering reauthorizing the 911 tax. The state has collected $1 a month on cellphones and between $1 and $1.50 on landlines to pay for the service since 1990. Proposed legislation would add a $1.50-a-month charge on any line; this could go as high as $1.75 or $2.

Mayor Bob Donchez said the city plans to undergo a study with Allentown, Lehigh County and Northampton County on how all four dispatching systems can best function and if there are benefits to consolidation. He said the study, which should be done by fall, will cost between $11,000 and $12,000 for each government entity involved. City council members agreed to again discuss the city's 911 service after the state budget is passed in late June and in the fall after the study is completed.

Recchiuti said an effective 911 Center gives residents a feeling of security. When he speaks with residents, Recchiuti said they tell him, "I feel safe. I feel secure. We're one of 2 non-county 911 centers in the state," he noted. "It's good to prepare for future. I'm glad it's being studied."

Waldron said the 911 Center is "the backbone of the safety of our community. Our public safety needs to be a priority."

Reuscher told DiLuzio, "Thank you for providing this information. I'm impressed with the work your department has done."