Outstanding firefighters Volunteer Firefighter Dave Adler received the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department’s 2021 Firefighter of the Year Award. Adler was nominated by his peers and recognized for continuously being one of the top performers for drill and fire call attendance, participating in community events, work on the department’s fund drive and completion of the driver/operator program. 

The 2021 Fire Officer of the Year award was given to Lt. Kris Siegert for meeting the challenges of delivering the fire and life safety education program during the pandemic, developing a program to teach lifesaving lessons to special needs students and introducing the Stop the Bleed program to high school students. The department recommended him for the award  for his willingness to always take on additional work. 

Room to respond Our fire trucks are large. So are our ambulances. Don’t forget to leave them room to get to you in an emergency. Don’t park within 20 feet of an intersection or within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. 

Heater safety Give your heater some space. It needs it. The Mt. Lebanon Fire Department recommends you treat your heater like a candle. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from any heating equipment. Yes, that means space heaters, furnaces, fireplaces or any other equipment used for heating. 

And, about those candles, never light one near something that can burn. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.

SAFE BIKING Now that we’re thinking of spring, it’s a good time to get your bike ready to hit the road. Make sure to check your brakes and tires. Ride on the street, not the sidewalk. In Mt. Lebanon’s business districts, it’s illegal to ride on the sidewalk. Remember: You’re required to follow the same traffic laws and rules as motorists. 

If you need a helmet, the Mt. Lebanon Police Department has a limited supply that they’re giving away. Email Cpl. Jeff Kite at jkite@mtlebanon.org for more information. 

Oh, and drivers, since we will be seeing more bikes on the road, it’s important to remember to share the road. 

LOOK UP, LEBO! When crossing the street, we want you looking up. But don’t forget to also look left, then right, then left again to make sure the road is clear–even when crossing at a light. 

Always use the sidewalk when available and only cross the street at marked crosswalks or intersections. Don’t wear your headphones or talk on your cell phone when crossing the street. And, look up! 

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE Spring is on the way. If you’re already thinking about that oh-so-dreaded spring cleaning, Mt. Lebanon Fire Department has some tips for you. Never place hazardous waste items in the trash or pour them down the sink. It’s not only harmful for the environment, but in many cases is illegal. Head to mtlfd.org for more ideas on how to dispose of hazardous materials.

POLICE HIRING Interested in becoming a Mt. Lebanon Police Officer? The department is hiring. Our progressive, community-oriented police department is widely known for its excellence. Applications are due by March 11.

POLICE HIRED Give a warm welcome to the Mt. Lebanon Police Department’s two newest officers, Dave Smith and Sean Moore. Smith is a San Diego native who moved here to attend Geneva College, in time for 2010’s Snowmageddon.  

After graduating in 2014 with a degree in philosophy, he joined the  National Guard and has served for the last seven years as an infantry officer. He enjoys hiking, lifting weights and martial arts. 

Moore graduated from Kent State University in 2020. In college, he was part of the powerlifting club, and is currently a state referee for the United States Powerlifting Association. In his spare time, he enjoys working with computers and cybersecurity.