A topic that kept reappearing at the regular Nov. 18 meeting of the Bethlehem City Council was the theme of public safety and firefighters, or the lack there of. The council heard from both active and retired firefighters, along with their friends and family members, all of whom spoke with heartfelt passion and emotion. Concerns regarding the continued understaffing of firefighters within the city raised concerns for residents and firefighter safety.

Lou Jimenez, President of Bethlehem Firefighters Local 735, spoke during public comment directly to council regarding a “failure of priorities” in the department’s staffing. Staffing is determined by the budget. He noted the current budget allows 104 firefighters, which is fewer than the city employed 50 years ago despite population growth, additional festivals and an increase in tourism.

The Mayor’s 2026 budget proposal has no property tax increase, and does include funds for new firetrucks, but does not immediately add more firefighters. Speaker after speaker spoke of loving their job as well as the city but they also reminded council that working unexpected and extra shifts just to make the minimum state mandated shift requirement accelerates burnout. Psychological and physical burnout puts firefighters and the community at safety risk since firefighters aren’t working at their peak potential.

Fire fighters spoke about their varied responsibilities as a firefighter. This is not limited to just fire suppression. Their work includes Hazardous Material Mitigation, Hazardous Device Mitigation, and Water/Vehicle Rescue. They often support Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and administer first aid.

Perhaps the most moving and profound personal experience expressed at this meeting was that of Councilwomen Grace Crampsie Smith. As a daughter of a fire fighter she recalled seeing her father in the hospital after experiencing a life threatening event during a call He was in an oxygen tank, unable to be touched. As an 8-year-old this had a lasting impression on her and she wished no other family or child would experience this. Crampsie Smith urged adding four firefighters to the 2026 budget as well as promoting four current firefighters.

Public budget discussions will take place at city hall. The fire department will be discussed along with police, community and economic development.