Two new firefighters are putting their skills to work in the Allentown Fire Department. They were among the graduates of the Allentown Fire Academy who were honored during a ceremony today at the city’s Mack South Fire Station.

New Allentown firefighters Dennis Walton and Jon Steed were presented with their badges by Mayor Ed Pawlowski. They each received graduation certificates from the mayor and Allentown Fire Chief Bob Scheirer.

Pawlowski told the firefighters, “The people of this city deeply appreciate your commitment, courage and bravery. Firefighting is a difficult and dangerous profession. The death of 19 firefighters in Arizona this weekend is an instant reminder. We are grateful that you are willing to risk your own lives to save others and preserve their property.”

“This is a busy department,” said Chief Bob Scheirer. “We answer more than 10,000 service calls a year.” Scheirer instructed the graduates to remember the importance of working as a team that was stressed during their 18 weeks of training. “It is critical that the fire service operate as a cohesive unit both in the field during fire and other emergencies as well as during the hours spent in the station house.”

The addition of the two new firefighters brings the total strength of the department to 124 firefighters.

The firefighters received classroom instruction, intense physical training and participated in hands-on drills. They obtained national certifications as firefighters, and drivers and operators of pumper and aerial vehicles. Other certifications include emergency medical technician, basic vehicle, water and elevator rescues and hazardous materials operations.

Firefighter Walton comes to Allentown from the City of Reading where he served as a building inspector. Firefighter Steed is an Allentown native who studied fire administration at the University of New Haven. He had been a fire marshal at Boston University.

The new Allentown firefighters officially go on shift duty tomorrow.
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