Oakmont adds new firefighter, borough office staff
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Oakmont officials have welcomed a new volunteer firefighter and added a couple of office workers.
Joey Luciana, 25, was sworn in by Mayor Christopher Whaley during council’s June 21 meeting.
The borough businessman said he is excited for the opportunity to make a difference in his community.
“I want to help the community out, and it’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was 16 years old,” Luciana said about becoming a firefighter. “I just like helping people, and the fire department seemed like the best fit. My parents are happy, and I’m excited to continue (on this journey). It’s been a great experience so far.”
Luciana graduated from St. Joseph High School in 2014 and earned a degree in business management and entrepreneurship from Geneva College in 2018.
He owns and operates Mow Joe’s Landscaping and starts training at the Allegheny County Fire Academy in the fall.
“He is actively participating now as far as grounds crew help,” Oakmont fire Chief Dave Carroll said. “He’s been answering calls with us, learning the engines, learning all the equipment. He’s a solid citizen. He’s a solid kid. He’s got a lot of smarts. He wants to learn the skills, and he’s got the spirit.”
Carroll said Luciana’s addition gives the department 21 firefighters, including a junior firefighter. A couple of them are nearing completion of their training. The department is chartered to have 25 active firefighters.
“That’s a pretty good number right now for us to be sitting at 21 when most of the fire services are dwindling,” Carroll said.
People age 16 and older can learn more about joining the department by stopping by the station at 418 Virginia Ave. Tuesday as from 7 to 9 p.m. or emailing the chief at 216chief@gmail.com.
In other matters
Council unanimously approved borough office personnel changes.
Jill Springer was appointed bookkeeping assistant, replacing Grace Trangle who retired in late May after more than 17 years of service. Springer has been a borough employee since 2018.
Renee Obrin was named accountant/finance officer. She has worked for the borough since 2017.
There were no changes to their salaries.
Bridget Rider and Michelle Garrity were hired as administrative assistants/receptionists effective June 7 and June 14, respectively. Starting wages are $17 per hour.
“They will relieve the stress of the phone calls and a lot of the customer service that the borough is offering to work more efficiently,” said borough Manager Scot Fodi. He said the new hires were not in response to the borough offices reopening after more than a year in covid protocols.
“There was always a staffing demand,” Fodi said. “It’s just now easy to bring them on board.”
The next council meeting is a workshop at 7 p.m. on July 6.