The Bethel Park Volunteer Fire Company will begin receiving direct dispatches from Allegheny County 9-1-1 for all emergency calls effective Nov. 3, 2025, at 6 a.m., Captain Jonathan Mark announced during the Oct. 13 council meeting.

Captain Mark told council the change will move the volunteer company off the municipality's standalone dispatch and into the county system. He said roughly 170 fire departments in Allegheny County are dispatched by county 9-1-1 and that Bethel Park will no longer be one of three departments not on the county system.

Residents and businesses with alarm systems monitored through the Bethel Park dispatch center who want a direct connection to county 9-1-1 should contact their alarm company to change the dispatch number to (412) 473-3370, Captain Mark said. He emphasized that switching to county dispatch is voluntary; property owners may retain Bethel Park dispatch if they prefer, but response may take longer when a call is transferred between dispatch centers.

Captain Mark also provided the fire department's September activity totals: 3 structure fires, 1 brush fire, assistance to EMS twice, 6 gas leaks, 4 electrical conditions, 1 vehicle into a structure, 1 medical helicopter landing, 1 vehicle accident, 1 water condition, 1 assist to police, 8 good intent calls, 2 smoke conditions, 14 fire alarms and 2 CO alarms — 47 calls in total for the month. He asked residents to check the fire department's Facebook page for more information.

For questions about the dispatch change, Captain Mark provided direct contact information for Fire Chief Dave Gerber: BethelParkvfc.chief@Gmail.com.