Changes to 9-1-1
Residents Should Now Call 9-1-1 for the Fire Department
Effective Nov. 3 at 6 a.m., the Bethel Park Volunteer Fire Company (“BPVFC”) will be directly dispatched by Allegheny County 911 for all emergency calls.
Allegheny County 911 will handle all incoming emergency calls and directly dispatch the BPVFC. Additionally, the BPVFC will collaborate with our neighboring mutual aid services on a shared channel, which will enhance engagement with other response agencies.
The Bethel Park Dispatch Center will continue to operate as a ring-up center, receiving and dispatching police and serving as a local point of contact for residents at the municipal building.
What do you as a resident need to do?
Individuals and businesses who have a fire alarm system currently monitored by the Bethel Park Dispatch Center and wish to have it connected directly to the Allegheny County 9-1-1 Center should contact their alarm company and update the dispatch number to 412-473-3370. The quickest way to get the fire department through your alarm company is to change the number the alarm company calls to the 412-473-3370 number.
It is important to note that updating your fire alarm number to the County 9-1-1 Center is not a mandatory requirement. You retain the option to continue using the existing number, 412-833-2000. If you choose this option, our Bethel Park Dispatcher will continue to receive your alarm calls and relay them to the county for dispatch.
What changes will residents notice?
Other than calling 9-1-1 for fire department response, residents should experience no difference in services. The move is expected to be seamless and improve overall fire department operations
