The meeting began with a focus on the staffing study for the fire department, a topic that generated discussion among council members and public participants. Retired firefighter David Roof opened the public comments by contrasting past and present staffing numbers, noting that despite the city’s growth, the fire department’s personnel has not increased accordingly. Roof’s concerns were echoed by Kyle Dolan, a current firefighter, who emphasized the life-or-death nature of their work and the critical impact of staffing levels on emergency response times. He urged the council to consider these factors seriously as they move forward with their studies and budget decisions.

A comprehensive study presented by President Lou Jimenez highlighted the city’s current staffing deficiencies. It revealed that Bethlehem’s fire engines and ladder trucks typically operate with fewer personnel than recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. This understaffing compromises the department’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively. Jimenez underscored the significance of adequate staffing by stating, “Without the right amount of firefighters, it does us no good,” reinforcing that equipment alone is insufficient without the necessary personnel to operate it.

The meeting featured a video presentation of findings from a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) study, which underscored the importance of adequate crew sizes. The study found that crews of four or five firefighters could complete tasks faster than smaller teams, which has direct implications for the safety and efficiency of fire operations. The current deployment strategy, relying on the discretion of local fire chiefs and city officials, lacks the technical basis needed to support effective staffing changes.

Further analysis during the meeting revealed alarmingly low coverage rates for various hazard assignments under current staffing conditions. Low hazard assignments, like residential fires, achieve only a 6% coverage rate, while high hazard assignments, involving large warehouses and tall buildings, face even greater staffing challenges. Recommendations from the study included increasing personnel on all suppression apparatus and constructing an additional fire station to better allocate resources.

The council’s discussion also explored the challenges posed by excessive overtime, a byproduct of the staffing shortages. This has led to concerns about firefighter burnout and the potential for increased injuries. The dialogue emphasized the need for collaboration among city administration, human resources, and the fire department to address these issues adequately. The council recognized that a strategic approach to the budgetary process would be crucial in securing the necessary funding to increase staffing levels.

The discussion also touched upon the implications of recent and ongoing developments in the community, such as the construction of multi-occupancy apartment buildings and the rise in medium and high hazard buildings. The necessity for a new fire station was confirmed, with strategic placements proposed to optimize response times and coverage. Despite the absence of a significant population increase, the development has substantially raised the demands on the fire department.

The meeting concluded with a focus on maintaining strong relationships between the administration, the fire department, and the council. There was mutual acknowledgment of the importance of open communication and the need for further opportunities to review data and findings from the studies. The council emphasized the importance of public safety and recognized the complex balance between delivering quality city services, managing taxes, and maintaining city density.