NEW DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE
Congratulations to Steve Ruby, who was promoted in October from lieutenant to deputy chief of police, operations.
“Deputy Chief Ruby excelled at his roles at the MLPD and stood out among the applicants throughout the hiring process,” says Police Chief Jason Haberman. “We are proud to announce his promotion and look forward to having him as a vital part of the department’s administrative team.”
Ruby started his career with the department in 2011 as a patrol officer. Prior to that, he worked for the Broward County Sheriff’s office in Florida. Locally, he has worked with the North Braddock and Swissvale police departments.
In his career with Mt. Lebanon, he has headed up the department’s wellness program and the recruitment and retention committee. He also has supervised the K-9 program and the uniform committee.
LOCK YOUR CAR As the temperatures outside plummet, you may be tempted to warm up your car before you get in and drive. Make sure you lock your car if you do. Otherwise, you are creating an easy score for a thief.
AIRBAG THIEVES As if you need another reason to keep an eye on your car: The Mt. Lebanon Police have seen a trend of airbag systems being stolen from cars. Sometimes, the thieves even smash the windows. It’s a good idea to have a security camera trained on your vehicle.
TIP SAFELY Tipping your sanitation worker? It’s great to share the holiday spirit but Mt. Lebanon Police get reports of people stealing the tips left taped to the trash can or lid. Better to mail your gift to your worker if you’re not able to hand it over personally.
HOLIDAY PHONE SCAMS This time of year, you may receive phone solicitation for police departments and associations. The Mt. Lebanon Police never raise money by phone. They have only one donation drive each year and it is by mail.
FIREPLACE SAFETY As you cuddle by the fire with a cup of steaming wassail, take a look at your fireplace. Have you had it checked recently? You may know that the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department will inspect your fireplace and visible chimney areas for free, but did you know that 80 percent of the time, the inspectors recommend speaking with a chimney sweep certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America? These sweeps meet rigorous standards that help you know the advice they’re giving you is important for the safety of you and your family. You might think having a fireplace with gas logs is safe and it can be. But you still can have fire hazards with loose bricks and mortar that could cause a fire in your wall. Even if you have a gas fireplace, have it checked out. Ever since the department started doing the inspections, chimney fires in Mt. Lebanon have decreased. To schedule your inspection, call 412-343-3402 or click here [1].
Please do not shovel snow out into the street. Shovel to the left of your driveway (if you are facing your home) and the plow will not push it back onto your own sidewalk. Make sure you give cars at intersections extra time to come to a complete stop before you cross if there is ice or snow on the road.
CHECK THE CO With furnaces and heaters on full blast, make sure you have at least one carbon monoxide detector in or by your bedroom. Although your furnace may be in the basement, you will likely not hear an alarm go off while you are sleeping.