Acting fire chief Sean Daniels with Firefighter of the Year Lindsay Cashman. Photo: John Schisler

Acting fire chief Sean Daniels with Fire Officer of the Year Loren Hughes. Photo: John Schisler

MLFD honors its best

Every year, the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department recognizes outstanding volunteer and paid firefighters. This year, the department chose volunteer firefighter Lindsay Cashman and Deputy Chief Loren Hughes.

Cashman received the award in part for work developing lunchtime fire and life safety clubs, and for translating fire and life safety lessons into other languages for families with members who speak little or no English.

The department solicits nominations for the awards from its members. According to Cashman’s nomination form, “She serves as a role model for our community’s children through her ability to connect with students of all ages. Her efforts are essential to the growth and inclusiveness of the department through her work with Women in Fire (a national organization that promotes female participation and leadership in the fire service), mentoring recruits and her role on the peer support team.”

Hughes, a 25-year veteran who retired in January after serving in a number of roles, the last being the head of the department’s fire prevention platoon, was nominated “for his work showcasing a long-term pattern of excellence. His passion for the fire service through personal and professional interactions demonstrates a deep commitment to the department and community. He always makes time for others in the organization, from the most senior member to our newest probationary firefighters. He is an excellent ambassador through his work in fire prevention, as evidenced by his ability to develop positive relationships with building owners and managers.”

PACE YOURSELF Cyclists, prepare your commute the night before. Check the weather and make appropriate adjustments in clothing and equipment. Ride on the street. It’s safer, especially in business areas.

CALL 911 If you’re hesitant to dial 911 because you don’t have a “real” emergency, don’t be. Call if you need a police officer to come to your home. If you just need to talk with a police officer, it’s better to call 911 than to call the police station, because there is no guarantee that a patrol officer or a detective will be in the building. The dispatcher will take your phone number and relay the request to the police department. If you see anything suspicious, don’t overthink it. Make the call and leave it to the professionals.

A PORT IN A STORM The National Weather Service has renewed the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department’s Storm Ready status. The designation, which is good for five years, requires that the community has a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center; more than one way to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts and to alert the public; a system that monitors local weather conditions; a formal hazardous weather plan that includes severe weather spotters; and hold emergency exercise and promotion of the importance of public readiness through community forums. Mt. Lebanon first received the designation in 2020.

COFFEE WITH A COP Mt. Lebanon police officers will be on hand to chat from 9 to 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 10, at Coffee Tree Roasters, 299 Beverly Road. Sponsored by the Civic Engagement Board.