Hazleton City Firefighters IAFF Local 507

10/14/2026

HAZLETON KEEPS GROWING — BUT WHERE IS THE INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC SAFETY?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hazleton’s population grew from 25,340 residents in 2010 to 29,963 in 2020, an increase of nearly 5,000 people. Today, the city’s population is estimated to exceed 30,000.

And the growth continues.

New townhomes, apartment buildings, commercial buildings, warehouses, and industrial developments continue to expand throughout our city. More people, more buildings, more traffic, and an increasing demand for emergency services.

Yet our fire department continues to operate with as few as 3 firefighters and 1 officer on duty.

Three firefighters responsible for protecting an entire growing city.

While development continues and emergency call volume increases, staffing has not kept pace with the growing demands placed on our firefighters.

At what point does public safety become as much of a priority as economic development?

The Mayor and City Council have a responsibility to consider the public safety needs that come with a growing city. Approving new development is only part of the equation. Ensuring adequate emergency services are available to protect those developments, the residents living in them, and the firefighters responding to them is just as important.

Every new apartment building means more families to protect. Every new warehouse or commercial facility presents additional challenges when an emergency occurs.

But none of these developments come with additional firefighters to handle those emergencies.

Our firefighters are expected to do more with less, while the city they protect continues to expand.

We support Hazleton’s growth and economic development. But growth without corresponding investments in public safety raises serious concerns about the future safety of our community.

How much larger does Hazleton have to become? How much higher does our call volume have to climb? How many more responsibilities can be placed on three firefighters before staffing becomes a priority?

These are questions that deserve answers from the people responsible for planning our city’s future.

Our firefighters have continued to answer the call. Now it’s time for city leadership to address the staffing challenges that come with protecting a growing City.

You cannot continue building a bigger city while expecting the same UNDERSTAFFED Fire Department to protect it!

10/14/2026

Brian from the Victims Resource Center Stopped by the Firehouse today to drop off some ribbons for our trucks. Unfortunately our Fire Apparatus are made of Aluminum but we will definitely find a way to display them. Tomorrow is Purple Thursday a day to honor victims, support survivors, promote healthy relationships, and encourage public conversation about ending domestic and intimate partner violence.

10/14/2026

$1.3 MILLION FOR A PROPERTY PURCHASE — BUT WHAT ABOUT PUBLIC SAFETY?

Once again, we are left questioning the priorities of our city leadership.

Hazleton City Council and the Mayor have approved the purchase of a property for approximately $1.3 MILLION, with plans to demolish the existing building and develop a mine tour. Councilman Tony Columbo was the only council member to oppose the purchase, raising concerns about the Fire Department’s ongoing staffing crisis and the importance of prioritizing public safety as the city continues to make major financial decisions.

Meanwhile, the Hazleton City Fire Department continues to face a severe staffing crisis, operating at times with ONLY THREE FIREFIGHTERS AND ONE OFFICER ON DUTY to protect an entire city.

Three firefighters. An entire city. Thousands of residents, businesses, and families depending on them when an emergency strikes.

Our firefighters are expected to respond to structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, rescues, medical emergencies, and countless other calls for service with staffing levels that create serious operational challenges and safety concerns.

When staffing is this limited, it doesn’t just put firefighters at risk. It puts the residents we are sworn to protect at risk as well.

The question that deserves an answer is simple:

How can the City justify spending $1.3 million on a property for a proposed attraction while its own fire department continues to operate with dangerously low staffing levels?

Economic development and tourism may have their place in Hazleton’s future. But so does ensuring that when someone calls 911, there are enough firefighters available to respond safely and effectively.

Our firefighters continue to show up, answer the calls, and put their lives on the line for this community, regardless of how many personnel are working that day.

Their safety should never be an afterthought. Neither should the safety of the people of Hazleton.

The residents of this city deserve a properly staffed fire department. The firefighters who risk their lives protecting those residents deserve the personnel and resources necessary to do their jobs safely.

Public safety is not a luxury. It is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of city government.

And until the staffing crisis facing the Hazleton City Fire Department is meaningfully addressed, the question of where public money is being spent deserves serious public discussion.

Because when the next major emergency happens, the number of firefighters available to respond will matter far more than any proposed tourist attraction.

10/13/2026

Help support Luzerne County Deputies, in their battle against cancer!!

10/08/2026

What an exciting Fire Safety Week at Holy Family Academy! Our students had a wonderful time learning from the Hazleton Fire Department, meeting local firefighters, and exploring the department’s fire safety equipment.

A heartfelt thank-you to the firefighters for spending time with our students and helping teach them how to stay safe. We appreciate all you do for our school and community!

10/03/2026

Wednesday, September 30th — Residential Structure Fire
Around 1820 hours, the Hazleton Fire Department was dispatched to a reported residential structure fire in the 900 block of Alter Street.

Rescue 3 responded with 1 firefighter. Engine 2 responded with 2 firefighters, 1 of whom was a probationary firefighter. Tower 1 responded with 2 firefighters, 1 of whom was a probationary firefighter. The OIC also responded.

Upon arrival, units found smoke showing from the rear of the residence. The occupant reported that there had been a fire in the kitchen that was believed to be extinguished. Crews also encountered a burn victim who required medical attention

Firefighters entered the residence and confirmed that the fire had been extinguished but found a smoke condition throughout the home. Crews checked for extension and ventilated the residence before the box was placed in service.
Three volunteers responded with firefighting gear.

Thursday, October 1st — Motor Vehicle Accident with Confinement
Around 1100 hours, the Hazleton Fire Department was dispatched to the area of West 15th Street and McNair Street for a motor vehicle accident with unknown injuries.

Rescue 3 responded with 2 firefighters, 1 of whom was a probationary firefighter. Engine 2 responded with 1 firefighter, along with the OIC.

Engine 2 arrived on scene and reported a three-vehicle accident with possible confinement. Upon arrival, the OIC confirmed the confinement and added Tower 1 to the call. Tower 1 responded with 2 firefighters, 1 of whom was a probationary firefighter.

Crews utilized the spreaders to remove the driver’s door from the vehicle and assisted EMS with patient care and packaging. Firefighters remained on scene until the roadway could safely be reopened.
Two volunteer fire police members responded.

These two incidents once again highlight just how critical adequate staffing is for the Hazleton Fire Department.

During both incidents, two probationary firefighters were part of the on-duty staffing. Without those probationary firefighters, the Hazleton Fire Department would have been operating with only 3 firefighters and an OIC on duty to protect the entire City of Hazleton.

Within a matter of two days, our firefighters responded to a residential structure fire involving a burn victim and a three-vehicle accident requiring vehicle rescue operations. These are the types of emergencies where every firefighter matters and where having adequate personnel available from the moment the call is dispatched can make a critical difference.

When staffing is limited, firefighters are required to accomplish the same time-sensitive tasks with fewer personnel. Fire suppression, search operations, victim care, vehicle extrication, apparatus operation, water supply, and firefighter safety do not become less demanding simply because fewer firefighters are on duty.

Adequate staffing is not about convenience. It is about having enough firefighters available when seconds matter to safely and effectively protect our residents, our visitors, and the firefighters answering the call.

Safe staffing saves lives.

10/01/2026

Here is how you can help Luzerne County Deputy Sheriff Al Walsh and Corporal Michael Flynn.

09/27/2026

Michael Flynn is the Luzerne County Sheriff’s K9 officer. He has a tough fight ahead of him. Please support and share if you can!

Michelle is starting this fundraiser for her brother, Michael Flynn, afte… Michelle Benson needs your support for Support Michael Flynn’s fight against cancer