It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of retired Allentown Deputy Chief Robert W Wallitsch.
Chief Wallitsch joined AFD on June 6, 1949, and retired on July 6, 1985. Our condolences go out to Robert’s family.
A viewing will be held on Friday, November 6, 2020, from 10-11 am at Burkholder’s Funeral Home at 16th/Hamilton Sts.
Local 302 Allentown Fire Fighters are proud to be partnering with the YMCA in re-starting the Firehouse Fridays program. Every Friday from 3-4 at Hibernia Fire Station located at Ridge and Tilghman we serve the children of Allentown under 18 bagged meals and meet the families of our community. Unfortunately, COVID has forced the program to make some changes to meet safety guidelines but we are working with them to continue serving the families of Allentown.
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of retired Allentown Firefighter Otto J. Skrovanek.
Otto Joseph Skrovanek passed peacefully on June 22nd. Otto was born in Allentown. He served in the Army Air Force as a nose gunner during World War II, earning the rank of staff sergeant in the 15th Division. During his life, he worked as a firefighter for the city of Allentown. He enjoyed golf, bowling, and singing with his friends. Otto had a fine sense of humor and shared it often. He was always quick to extend a “Hello” to everyone he met. He was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. He is again holding hands with his best friend and spouse, Anna May Skrovanek. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage.
Otto was the son of Anton and Frances (Anderko) Skrovanek. He will be dearly missed by his children, Darryl (Norma), Leo (Pamela), Susan (Freeman), and Michael (Elizabeth); grandchildren, Laura, Stephanie, Ross, and Natasha; and great-granddaughter, Isabel.
A Catholic service will be offered at 10:00 AM Friday, June 26th at Weber Funeral Home 502 Ridge Avenue Allentown, PA 18102. Burial with military honors will be private. Online condolences may be made at www.weberfuneralhomes.com
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of retired Allentown Firefighter Alan D. Whitehouse.
Alan David Whitehouse, 81, of Whitehall, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2020, in the Gardens for Memory Care at Easton. He was the husband of the late Hyang Nan “Jackie” (Kim) Whitehouse, who died in 2019. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late John C. and Eleanor C. (Bitting) Whitehouse. Alan attended Allentown High School and participated on the J.V. Wrestling team. He went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force as a radar and computer technician in Air Defense Command. In 1962, Alan was appointed to the Allentown Fire Department. He briefly worked for Bendix Field Engineering in Baltimore, MD as a senior service technician and served in the Republic of Korea. In 1968, Alan was re-appointed to the Allentown Fire Department and after serving in all Allentown Fire Stations, retired after 31 years in 1994. Alan was a former member of Local #302 International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) for 25 years, serving as trustee, on the executive board, chairman of the Fire Fighter’s Ball and on the Safety Committee. He was also a member of the L.V. Timing Association, the Firemen’s Relief, and the Fearless Fire Company. Alan enjoyed hot rods, custom cars, volunteered for the American on Wheels Museum and loved hunting and fishing. Survivors: Alan is survived by cousins and close friends. Services: Due to gathering restrictions, services will be private and interment will follow at St. Mark’s Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to K.V. Knopp Funeral Home, Inc., Allentown.
Tune in at 4:30 April 16 to the IAFF Local 302 Facebook Page for a live stream with Congresswoman Wild.
COVID-19 discussion with Representative Susan Wild
Join us for a discussion with Representative Susan Wild about COVID-19 and how the Firefighters and Paramedics of Allentown have handled it. The panelists will be Allentown Firefighters Union President Jeremy Warmkessel, Allentown Fire Chief Jim Wehr, and EMS Chief of Operations Eric Gratz.
Posted by Local 302 Allentown International Association of Firefighters on Thursday, April 16, 2020
Attached is the second MOU for the time period April 13, 2020- April 27, 2020. On pay stub, it currently lists the day as Sick Leave incentive. On eservices with your explanation of benefits page, it is listed as COVID 19 Days. The City admin is currently looking to see why it is listed differently.
Please review and make sure it has 12 hours listed. If it does not contact me.
484 223 7276.
I.A.F.F. Local 302
