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Allentown fire chief says grants will fund sprinkler and alarm upgrades as department cites staffing and equipment needs
Summary
Fire Chief Efren Agosto told council the department is operating with 143 firefighters across six stations, reported higher premium pay and equipment account adjustments in the 2026 budget, and described two federal grants that would fund sprinkler and fire‑alarm upgrades at multiple stations.
Fire Chief Efren Agosto briefed council on the Allentown Fire Department’s operational profile and budget changes for fiscal 2026 and described two federal grants that will pay for sprinkler and alarm upgrades at older fire stations.
The chief said the department includes 143 firefighters across six stations, operates seven engines and two ladder trucks, and has specialized teams for hazardous materials, bomb squad, underwater recovery and technical rescue. “The Allentown Fire Department consists of 143 firefighters operating out of 6 fire stations, 1 fire training academy, and an emergency operation center,” Chief Efren Agosto said (00:12:14).
Why it matters: The chief said the department is responding to increasing demand—about 12,500 calls so far this year and an anticipated near‑term rise toward 15,000—and described long‑term staffing levels that are below historical norms. He…
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