BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A couple of the city’s newest firemen, Isaiah Serrano and Giovanni Sicurello, agreed that the process behind learning and honing their craft is what excited them the most about their new jobs.
And what a process it’s been — and will continue to be for them and their five other graduating classmates: Robert Brooks, Jack Mesce, Brady Rowe, Kyle Schlier and Jarrett Loux, who were away for six months for recruit training in Harrisburg.
"We look forward to all of you developing into the future leaders of this department.”Bethlehem Fire Chief Michael Reich
It was standing room only at Bethlehem Town Hall on Monday, as family, friends and fellow firefighters gathered to welcome their newest brethren to the job.
“The fire department is a representation of the officers and firefighters and paramedics that make up that organization,” Fire Chief Michael Reich said.
“We look forward to all of you developing into the future leaders of this department.”
The occasion also recognized two promotions from the past year with ceremonial pinnings: John Lebeduik’s rise to lieutenant inspector and MaryAlice Hammerle’s rise to lieutenant.
'Strong, resilient and ready'
Luis Jiminez, president of International Association of Fire Fighters Local 735, told the new members, “Remember, your service doesn’t end when your gear comes off at the end of your shift.
"It lives on in how you show up for your brothers and sisters, how you strengthen this union and how you uphold the standards of this department.
“Together, we form a team that is strong, resilient and ready to meet any challenge. … Welcome to a family that will stand beside you every step of the way.”
Perry Pierich, fire training director with Harrisburg Area Community College, said the recruits were a pleasure to work with as part of the school’s 72nd fire academy.
Pierich said they have department leadership that’s “second to none.”
“The Bethlehem Fire recruits you sent to us truly stood out amongst all of their other peers. They represented the city of Bethlehem honorably, and they will serve you very well in the future.”Perry Pierich, fire training director with Harrisburg Area Community College
He said the recruits even went so far as to buy him a cake for his birthday last week.
“They all showed up ready to work every day," Perich said of Bethlehem’s newest firefighters. "They never complained, they never took credit for anything they didn’t work for.
“They were the first ones to help out all the other members in the class.
“The Bethlehem Fire recruits you sent to us truly stood out amongst all of their other peers. They represented the city of Bethlehem honorably, and they will serve you very well in the future.”
'Truly impressive'
Bethlehem Fire Department at one point trained with Allentown Fire Academy, though this past year officials approved training in Harrisburg to make for two annual classes instead of one as before.
“Many of you, most of you, live here in the Lehigh Valley, and making that sacrifice over the last several months is truly impressive — we thank you for doing that."Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds, thanking the city's newest firefighters and their families
“Many of you, most of you, live here in the Lehigh Valley, and making that sacrifice over the last several months is truly impressive — we thank you for doing that,” Reynolds said.
“We thank all of the families for everything that you have been able to sacrifice over the last several months to allow your family members to become part of our department.”
The city’s 2025 budget has more than twice the new-recruit training allocations compared with last year, with eight more people slated for schooling.
During budget transfer discussions last year related to the new training opportunities, city Business Administrator Eric Evans said department vacancies have been higher than average based on the past decade or so.
