At a June 10 ceremony in city hall seven recent graduates of the Allentown Fire Academy joined the ranks of the Bethlehem Fire Department as they were sworn into service by Mayor J. William Reynolds. Each received their firefighters’ badges having another class member pin them on their uniforms. “This is truly a beautiful day for us,” said Reynolds, who also noted the sacrifices each firefighter’s family would be making as they entered public service.

Seven additional Bethlehem firefighters were also formally recognized for recent promotions by Chief Reich as family members pinned their captain and lieutenant’s badges on their uniforms. “We need you to lead by example,” said Reich.

Reich noted that the 104 member force would still be short a few firefighters due to recent retirements and that he anticipated another class of candidates would attend the next academy in early fall.

“Today is a day of celebration,” said Rabbi Michael Singer who gave the invocation and benediction.

New firefighters are: Kyle Dolton, Matthew Hamory, Luis Hoyos, Alex Norder, Vincent Reichard, Maxwell Rieder and Robert Wagner.

Firefighters promoted are: Captain of training Matthew Griffen and Lieutenants Joshua Anders, Jeremy Finan, Paul Hertzog, Brett Knerr, Matthew Rumbalski and Kevin Thomas.