Chief: Nick Sohyda

PH: 412-343-3402

Email: nsohyda@mtlebanon.org

he Mt. Lebanon Fire Department strives to deliver the highest quality and most cost-effective fire prevention, education and emergency services. Its mission is to serve and safeguard our diverse community through the delivery of professional, efficient and effective services, protecting life, property and the environment.

A standout agency with accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, the department is composed of 18 paid fire officers and more than 40 volunteer firefighters. It is one of fewer than 300 fire agencies in the U.S. and Canada to receive this accreditation, and one of fewer than 400 agencies to have an ISO Class 1 rating.

On average, the department responds to about five calls a day and participates in more than 1,000 fire prevention activities each year.

NEW A new engine. The engine is currently being built and will replace a 21-year-old vehicle. It will go into service later this year. The department plans to sell the old engine.

The Mt. Lebanon Fire Department is working to erect a training facility in the municipality to improve training for its members. This, ultimately, will ensure a high level of service to residents and property owners in the event of a significant fire and/or rescue emergency.

A project to place a training facility on public works property on Lindendale Drive was given preliminary approval by the municipality’s Planning Board in March.

The fire department has released an FAQ on its website, mtlfd.org, where leaders provide a breakdown of the plans.

According to the FAQ, the department already trains on the public works property multiple times a week. Training in the new facility will not be any louder than current training. The primary intent of the training facility is not live-fire training, but skill review and enhancement. Live-fire training will only be done on site two to three times a year.

NOTEWORTHY Seven volunteers joined the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department in January. It’s been eight years since the department had this large of a new volunteer class. With two new female volunteers, the department now has five women in its ranks. The new members will continue their firefighter essentials training through the remainder of 2023.

Interested in joining? Visit the recruitment section of mtlfd.org for more information.  Volunteers must be a resident of Mt. Lebanon, be at least 18 years old and complete a criminal background check.

NEED TO KNOW Sign up for LeboEmergency. It’s the modern-day version of the tornado siren. Remember those? Get time-sensitive alerts on life-threatening situations with LeboEmergency. Alerts will contain actionable information that you need to know when an emergency occurs near you.

Fire Safety Consultations. Stay safe with the help of the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department. Safety experts will come to your home and inspect your smoke detectors and chimneys. Firefighters will tour your home, answer questions, make recommendations, help you craft a fire escape plan and check your electrical systems to ensure they’re safe to use. Visit www.mtlfd.org to schedule a consultation.

Citizens Fire Academy. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be a Mt. Lebanon firefighter. The 10-week course includes lots of hands-on activities, classroom lectures, facility tours and demonstrations. You even get to participate in a simulated structure fire. Stay tuned to www.mtlfd.org for details. The academy is slated to begin in September.