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Bethlehem names Matthew J. Griffin fire chief; supporters cite compassion after resident's testimony
Summary
City Council unanimously appointed Captain Matthew J. Griffin as fire chief effective July 4, 2025. Residents and council members praised his technical credentials and bedside manner; the appointment followed public testimony in support of Griffin from a resident who lost her home in March.
City Council unanimously appointed Matthew J. Griffin as Bethlehem’s next fire chief on June 17, effective July 4, 2025, following public testimony and a unanimous council vote.
Griffin, a 19‑year firefighter in Bethlehem who currently holds the rank of captain, outlined his credentials at the meeting: he is a state‑certified fire instructor, certified fire investigator and fire inspector, an adjunct faculty member in Northampton County Community College’s emergency services program in the past, and holds a B.S. in fire and arson investigation from the University of New Haven. “I look forward, and I wanna continue the positive working relationship with you, the members of council, the city administration, and local 735 so that together, we can all continue to better serve the residents and visitors of our great city,” Griffin said.
Several speakers and council members offered public praise. Kelly Burfield, a resident whose house burned in March and who described Griffin’s on‑scene leadership and compassion, told council, “His calm presence and quiet professionalism stood out immediately,” and urged support for his promotion. Mayor Reynolds and multiple council members thanked outgoing Chief Reich for his 20‑plus years of service and welcomed Griffin’s nomination as a continuation of department leadership.
The council took the administrative order to appoint Griffin and voted 6–0. The mayor read the appointment text aloud stating Griffin’s home address and that the appointment “is effective as of 07/04/2025.” The resolution was sponsored by Councilmembers Grama Smith and Wilhelm. No amendments or conditions were placed on the appointment during the vote.
Council members emphasized Griffin’s role in training recent recruit classes and in operational and emergency‑management work. Griffin noted recent academy classes and certification steps he had completed, including course requirements toward an emergency management coordinator certification required by the city.
Outgoing Chief Reich’s last day was announced as July 3; Griffin’s first day as chief is July 4, 2025. Council said it will formally recognize Chief Reich at the next council meeting. The appointment concluded the agenda item and the mayor and council urged support for the fire department during the transition.
