NEW BETHLEHEM – New Bethlehem Borough and the Office of the Mayor are proud of the volunteers, crews and public servants who stepped up during this historic and impactful winter storm. Their selfless service reflects the true pride, resilience and strength of our small community during one of the largest snow events to occur in more than 16 years.
Due to the storm’s severity, New Bethlehem Borough submitted a Declaration of Disaster Emergency to Clarion County and State officials. This action is intended to obtain emergency funding, made available through Governor Josh Shapiro’s statewide Declaration of Emergency, for overtime hours and to secure equipment and resources needed for snow removal and public safety operations.
Throughout the storm, first responders and frontline workers demonstrated exceptional dedication and teamwork. Appreciation is extended to the three-member Public Works Department for ongoing snow removal efforts and to Redbank Valley Municipal Authority (RVMA) employees, who worked overtime to keep water and sewage treatment plants operational while addressing a major weather- related intake issue. The Borough extends sincere thanks to fire, police, and EMS, as well as utility and healthcare workers, for their continued service under challenging conditions.
New Bethlehem Volunteer Firefighters checked on elderly residents, cleared sidewalks and uncovered fire hydrants to ensure rapid emergency response. The Borough Public Works staff worked greatly extended hours through the storm and in the aftermath to clear and treat streets with limited equipment, while RVMA staff safeguarded critical infrastructure essential to public health and safety.
New Bethlehem received national media attention after reporting a national high storm total of approximately 19 to 23 inches of snowfall, with coverage from outlets including The New York Times, Good Morning America, Fox News, and more. This attention underscores the seriousness of this historic event and supports the Borough’s request for additional emergency resources.
“I am extremely proud of all our volunteers and crews. Their selflessness shows the true pride of our community. During storms like this, everyone steps up, firefighters, public works, police, utilities, and neighbors helping neighbors. We appreciate the patience, support, and understanding of our residents as we work through this historic weather event together,” Scott Barrett, New Bethlehem Volunteer Firefighter and President of Borough Council said.
Rev. Dr. Gordon V. Barrows, New Bethlehem Mayor, added, “I am deeply grateful for the men and women who serve our community with humility, professionalism and compassion. Declaring a local disaster emergency allows us to act decisively, secure needed resources, and support our crews as they work to restore access, safety and normalcy. As we continue through cleanup and recovery, I ask our residents to remain patient, supportive, and understanding as we work through this historic weather event together.”
“Our firefighters are committed to protecting lives and property, especially during severe weather events like this. Clearing hydrants, checking on residents, and maintaining access in difficult conditions is critical to public safety, and we appreciate the cooperation and patience of the community as we work through this historic storm together,” said Edward Goth, New Bethlehem Fire Company Chief and Borough Council Vice President.
As recovery continues, residents are asked to:
– Give Public Works room to work and be patient as snow removal and cleanup continues.
– Keep fire hydrants accessible.
– Check on elderly neighbors.
– Clear snow from heating, dryer and other ground level exhaust vents.
– Clear sidewalks as soon as possible. (The 24-hour ordinance is temporarily suspended.)
– Avoid injury and heart attack-causing overexertion.