Chief: Kurt Christofel
PH: 412-343-3402
Email: kchristofel@mtlebanon.org [1]
The 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 The fire department has experienced a series of retirements and promotions. Deputy Chief Joe Thuransky retired in 2023, followed by Chief Nick Sohyda and deputy chiefs Rodger Ricciuti and Loren Hughes, who all retired in 2024. During this time, four lieutenants were promoted to deputy chief: Dan Morris, Larry Celender, Steve Quatchak and Joe Gavita. Additionally, Deputy Chief Kurt Christofel was promoted to fire chief. The fire department will hire two lieutenants to fill the vacancies from retirements and promotions. The department also retired Engine 2, which had been in service for 21 years, and has introduced a new Pierce engine, also designated as Engine 2.
In 2024, the department opened its training facility at the public works site on Lindendale Drive. This facility will provide enhanced training opportunities for the department. The building will be mostly utilized for non-live fire training, however, it will be used for live burn exercises two to three times a year. The fire department will offer mutual aid fire departments access to the facility to improve coordination during fire ground operations.
This year, the department will update its strategic plan. This five-year guiding document will incorporate feedback from both internal and external stakeholders.
NOTEWORTHY Five volunteers joined the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department in January. In 2024, nine new volunteers joined the ranks. The new members will continue their firefighter essentials training through the remainder of 2025.
Interested in joining? Visit the recruitment section of mtlebanon.org/fire [2] 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. mtlebanon.org/alerts
Fire Safety Consultations
Stay safe with the help of the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department. Safety experts will come to your home and check your smoke detectors and chimneys. Firefighters will tour your home, answer questions, make recommendations, and help you craft a fire escape plan. Visit mtlebanon.org/fire [2] or call the fire station at 412-343-3402 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. The academy is slated to begin in September.
For the latest fire department news and fire safety information, like and follow the fire department on social media. The Fire Department also created links to social media, trending fire safety information, Lebo-Emergency, and common website shortcuts. Follow the link. linktr.ee/mtlebanonfire [3]