Bethlehem Tp Comm'rs Approve $1 Million Ladder Truck

Just one week after failing to secure a $550,000 grant for a new firetruck from the Northampton County Gaming Authority, the Nancy Run Fire Company had a lot more success on their home turf. Bethlehem Township Commissioners unanimously agreed, at their May 5 meeting, to spend $1,063,853 for a new 100' rear-mounted ladder truck that will replace a 1991 model that is nearing the end of its useful life. In a divided 5-4 vote, Northampton County's Gaming Board rejecting a $550,000 grant request at their April 28 meeting.

Although Commissioners have agreed to foot the entire bill from a $10 million line of credit, Nancy Run is still seeking grants on a state and federal level. "We'll continue looking out for other options," Nancy Run Fire Chief Jamie Hauze told Commissioners.

One of those options might be the Gaming Authority. Some members like Lower Nazareth's James Pennington signaled a willingness to foot 25% if the cost, arguing that some of the need for this is the result of the casino. Other members, like Bethlehem's Joe Kelly, argued that the entire $550,000 should be awarded because the ladder truck is a back-up to Bethlehem's two ladder trucks. He said the firetruck is needed "to protect that asset," referring to the casino.

Pink Heals Tour in Lehigh Valley This Weekend

If you see a pink fire truck on a Lehigh Valley Street this weekend, it's not your imagination. The "Pink Heals Tour" will be here to raise awareness and money for local people battling cancer, with a special focus on women. According to founder Dave Graybill, "We focus our labor of love on the women of this country and wage war on anything that may harm her starting with cancer!"

Pink firetrucks will visit St. Luke's Anderson campus in Bethlehem Township between noon and 3 PM on Saturday. Nancy Run Fire Company's Safety Officer, Bill Andress, states that there will be numerous other activities going on as well, from face-painting to clowns.

Here's the complete schedule:

Saturday, 8/24:

Applebees, Rte 191, Bethlehem, 8 AM - 10 AM, $7 flapjack breakfast.

St. Luke's Anderson Campus, Freemansburg Ave, Bethlehem, Noon to 3 PM

Keystone Pub, Easton Ave, Bethlehem, 5 PM - 7 PM

Sunday, 825:

Nazareth Borough Park, Noon - 5 PM

Nancy Run Fire Co. Getting a Makeover

3 of Nancy Run's 5 bays are too small for modern fire equipment

From a fire company expansion to an ammo purchase, public safety issues dominated the May 20 meeting of Bethlehem Township Commissioners.

Nancy Run Fire Company will start a $1 million expansion this Summer, according to trustee Bill Andress. Bethlehem Township Commissioners, at their May 20 meeting, approved a building additions and renovations plan by a 4-0 vote. Commissioner Tom Nolan was absent. Although Commissioners have given a green light, the volunteer fire company still has a zoning hearing scheduled for May 29, at which dimensional variances will be sought.

This truck nearly touches ceiling

Nancy Run Fire Company, located on Easton Avenue, has existed since 1931. Manned by forty volunteers, and with no paid staff, this fire company responded to 850 calls last year. It has grown from a department that mostly put out agricultural fires, to one that responds to motor vehicle accidents, automatic alarms and even assists the City of Bethlehem. As its service expands, so has its need for space.

The biggest change, according to Andress, will be expanding the ceiling space in three of the fire company's five bays. At 12'4", these bays are too small for modern fire apparatus. The fire company will also add training rooms, and will retain 900 sq ft for future expansion.

This expansion is being funded, in part, by a $100,000 grant from the Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development. Andriss is also hopeful for some funding from the Gaming Authority. No Township resources have been expended.

In other business, Commissioners authorized Township officials to apply for an annual $20,000 grant for DUI enforcement. Township Manager Howard Kutzler explained that police use this funding for 24 "events" every year. Most are roving patrols, with only one sobriety checkpoint.

Finally, Commissioners set aside $14,799.20 for the purchase of ammo for police. Kutzler told Commissioners that what used to be a two to four week waiting period is now 14-18 months, if a state contract is pursued. With an outright purchase, it's still a four to six month wait.

Nancy Run Fire Co. first established in 1931, is getting a makeover

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

These Girls just want to have fun! Alexis, who states she's almost 5, and Aaliyah, who claims she's 4 1/4, enjoy their goodies from Nancy Run Fire Co.'s Lt. Daniel Rivera, as Dylan, another 4 year old, looks on. Nancy Run Fire Company was at Linden Street's Home Depot for Fire Safety Week on October 1. Rivera stated "lots of young kids are afraid of firefighters," but not after they let them climb around the truck and try out some of the equipment.