Bethlehem Star Lodge #20 FOP

06/08/2026

Requirements include successfully passing a physical fitness test, a written examination and a polygraph test.

06/06/2026

🚔 In May 2026, Bethlehem Police officers responded to 4,849 calls for service.

That equals:

• 156 calls per day
• More than 6.5 calls every hour
• One call approximately every 9 minutes

Despite operating with a staffing deficit our members continue to answer every call and maintain one of the highest service demands in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding area.

In May, Bethlehem Police handled the 2nd highest call volume in the region, demonstrating the dedication and professionalism of the men and women who serve this community every day.

Maintaining this level of service requires continued investment in retention, recruitment, training, and officer wellness. We are actively hiring and looking for individuals committed to serving the City of Bethlehem.

Learn more or apply today:

Bethlehem Police Recruitment⁠

Public safety depends on it.

Investing in officers is investing in the safety of Bethlehem.

06/05/2026

🎉👮‍♂️ Congratulations and Happy Retirement, Sergeant John Casella #364 👮‍♂️🎉

Today, the Bethlehem Police Department proudly recognizes the outstanding career of Sergeant John Casella #364 as he begins his well-deserved retirement.

Sergeant Casella joined the Bethlehem Police Department on January 18, 2007. Throughout his career, he served in numerous assignments, most notably within narcotics investigations, where he spent many years as a Detective and DEA Task Force Officer investigating drug trafficking and other serious crimes.

In addition to his investigative work, Sergeant Casella has been a member of the Bethlehem Police Department's Emergency Response Team (ERT) for nearly his entire career. His commitment to the team culminated in his service as the department's most recent ERT Team Commander, where he helped lead and train officers for some of the department's most challenging and high-risk operations.

On March 15, 2021, Sergeant Casella was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. While he excelled in every assignment throughout his career, his greatest impact may have come as the Training Sergeant assigned to the Professional Standards Division. In that role, he was instrumental in enhancing officer training, improving professional development opportunities, and helping ensure that Bethlehem Police officers were equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve the community at the highest level.

On behalf of the men and women of the Bethlehem Police Department, we thank Sergeant Casella for his years of dedicated service, leadership, and commitment to excellence.

Please join us in wishing Sergeant Casella and his family a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement. Congratulations, Sergeant, and thank you for your service to the City of Bethlehem.

06/05/2026

🎉👮‍♂️ Congratulations and Happy Retirement, Captain Nicholas Lechman #366 👮‍♂️🎉

Today, the Bethlehem Police Department recognizes and celebrates the distinguished career of Captain Nicholas Lechman #366 as he begins his well-earned retirement.

Captain Lechman joined the Bethlehem Police Department on January 18, 2007. Throughout his career, he served in a variety of assignments, including many years within the Criminal Investigations Division, where he excelled as both a detective and supervisor.

On May 3, 2022, Captain Lechman was promoted to the rank of Captain. In that role, he provided leadership over the Support Services Division and the Professional Standards Division, helping guide the department through numerous challenges and initiatives while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.

While his accomplishments and leadership roles are noteworthy, Captain Lechman's greatest impact may be found in the officers he mentored throughout his career. His guidance, knowledge, and commitment to developing the next generation of law enforcement professionals have left a lasting impression that will continue to benefit the department long after his retirement.

On behalf of the men and women of the Bethlehem Police Department, we thank Captain Lechman for his years of dedicated service, leadership, and friendship.

Please join us in wishing Captain Lechman and his family a happy, healthy, and well-deserved retirement. We hope this next chapter is filled with family, friends, travel, and all the things that bring him joy.

Congratulations, Captain. Your service to Bethlehem will not be forgotten. 💙

05/25/2026

We are proud to welcome back Anthony Ray, who serves as a Captain within the ARMY National Guard, and who has bravely served as a Field Artillery Officer for over seven years. Over the span of more than a decade, Anthony has earned an Army Commendation Medica with C-Device, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and a Combat Action Badge.

Anthony has spent time serving in Africa, but most recently returned to his family in Bethlehem this year after a deployment to the Middle East where he served as a division planner for Operation Spartan Spear and as a fire support officer for the 42nd Infantry Division during Operation Epic Fury. He is eager to resume his life of service here in the Lehigh Valley as a member of Platoon 2 with the City of Bethlehem Police Department.

This welcome would not have been nearly as warm without the help of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, who graciously hosted Anthony and his family at their stadium during a home game last week!

05/25/2026

We are proud to celebrate the achievement of those who aspire to do good in their community. Congratulations Julius! We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

🎓💙 Congratulations to Julius – Recipient of “The Blue Line” Scholarship 💙🎓

On Friday, May 15, 2026, the City of Bethlehem Police Department’s School Resource Officer Unit proudly awarded this year’s “The Blue Line” Scholarship to Julius, a graduating senior from Liberty High School. Additionally, Bethlehem Star Lodge #20 FOP graciously provided Julius with $1,000 towards his higher education.

Before attending Liberty, Julius was a student at Broughal Middle School and has spent the past four years as a dedicated member of the Bethlehem Police Department’s Explorer Post, where he currently holds the rank of Lieutenant.

Throughout his high school career, Julius demonstrated an outstanding commitment to his community, completing an incredible 625 hours of community service.

This fall, Julius will attend Northampton Community College as he continues pursuing his future goals. During the scholarship presentation, he was joined by family members, Bethlehem Area School District faculty, and members of the Bethlehem Police Department who came together to celebrate his accomplishments.

We are extremely proud of Julius for his hard work, leadership, and dedication to serving others. We wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors! 👏

“The Blue Line” Scholarship was created and is funded by the Bethlehem Police Department’s School Resource Officer Unit. The scholarship is available to graduating seniors from both Liberty and Freedom High Schools who plan to pursue higher education with the intention of entering the criminal justice field.

05/23/2026

This Memorial Day, help us ensure that the legacy of Bethlehem Police officers is never forgotten.

The Legacy Memorial Project will honor those who gave their lives in service, those who have worn the badge, those who wear it today, and those who will carry the mission forward.

Whether you’re a current officer, retiree, family member, local business, or community supporter, you can become part of this permanent tribute through an engraved memorial brick.

Honor the past. Support the present. Invest in the future. Leave your legacy.

🇺🇸 Memorial Day is about remembrance. Help us build a memorial that will stand for generations.

Reserve your brick today:

https://www.unionly.io/o/lodge20/legacy-memorial

05/16/2026

Today, we remember Patrolman Daniel Earl Rice.

His loss is still deeply felt within the Bethlehem Police Department and throughout the community.

Police Week is a time to reflect on the courage carried by officers like Patrolman Rice, who answered the call knowing the risks that came with the profession.

Today, we remember his sacrifice and honor his enduring legacy.

End of Watch, but never end of remembrance.

Some legacies are too important to fade with time. Join us in honoring Bethlehem’s fallen officers at https://www.unionly.io/o/lodge20/legacy-memorial



https://www.odmp.org/officer/14913-patrolman-daniel-earl-rice

Patrolman Daniel Rice was killed when his patrol car was broadsided at the intersection of Schoenersville Road and Westgate Drive.

05/15/2026

Today, we remember Patrolman Phillip J. Fahy.

Though decades have passed, his sacrifice remains an important part of Bethlehem Police Department and the City of Bethlehem's history.

During Police Week, we remember officers like Patrolman Fahy whose service and sacrifice helped protect generations of Bethlehem families.

Today, we honor his life, his service, and his sacrifice.

Never forgotten.

Honor the past. Support the future. Help ensure the sacrifice of Bethlehem’s officers is never forgotten. Learn more about the Legacy Memorial at https://www.unionly.io/o/lodge20/legacy-memorial



https://www.odmp.org/officer/4710-patrolman-phillip-j-fahy

Patrolman Phillip Fahy was shot and killed by a subject who had argued with the officer over a parking ticket.

05/14/2026

As Police Week continues, we honor those members of the Bethlehem Police Department who stood their post through danger, uncertainty, and hardship in service to others.

His service and sacrifice remain part of the lasting legacy of the Bethlehem Police Department and the citizens of Bethlehem.

Rest easy, sir.

Their names helped shape the history of the Bethlehem Police Department. Help keep that legacy visible for future generations at Bethlehem Star Lodge #20 Legacy Memorial at https://www.unionly.io/o/lodge20/legacy-memorial


https://www.odmp.org/officer/12895-captain-moses-harry-straus

Captain Moses Straus was struck and killed by a vehicle while directing traffic on William Penn Highway at the scene of a fire.