PITTSBURGH — Mat Davis was sworn in as Chief of Fire for the City of Pittsburgh during a ceremony attended by friends, family and colleagues.
Davis had been serving as acting chief of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire since earlier this year, after Darryl Jones was placed on administrative leave.
City officials highlighted his leadership experience across Western Pennsylvania fire departments before administering the oath of office.
Public Safety Director Sheldon Williams opened the swearing-in ceremony by emphasizing the responsibility associated with the leadership position.
“As you take the oath today, remember it’s more than words spoken; it’s a promise,” Williams said. “A promise to serve with honor, lead with integrity, protect with courage and remain accountable to the people of this great city.”
Mayor Corey O’Connor thanked the family and friends who supported Davis throughout his career in fire service.
“This is a person we’ve seen over the last few months step naturally into this leadership position,” O’Connor said. “It was a simple choice for us to ask Chief Davis to move into this role.”
After taking the oath, Davis addressed the audience to express gratitude.
“It means more to me than I can possibly express to look out into this room and see so many faces who have championed me, encouraged me and supported me along my career journey,” Davis said. “I never thought I would be standing here today. But because of you, I am. Thank you.”
Davis began his firefighting career in 2004 at the Dormont Fire Department, where he later served as chief.
His background also includes part-time service with the Swissvale and North Strabane Fire Departments.
In 2023, Davis joined the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire as assistant chief of community risk reduction.
In addition to serving as a mentor and fire instructor for new recruits and partner agencies, Davis holds a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Point Park University and is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy.
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