City of Pittsburgh Swears in Mat Davis as New Fire Chief
Published on November 05, 2026
Pittsburgh, PA – On November 5, surrounded by friends, family, and colleagues, Mat Davis was sworn-in as the Chief of Fire for the City of Pittsburgh.
Public Safety Director Sheldon Williams opened the ceremony by speaking directly to the new chief, “As you take the oath today, remember it’s more than words spoken, it’s a promise. A promise to serve with honor, lead with integrity, protect with courage, and remain accountable to the people of this great city.”
Before swearing in the new chief, Mayor Corey O’Connor thanked the family and friends who have supported Mat, encouraged him, and sacrificed their time with him as he rose through the ranks of fire service. “This is a person we’ve seen over the last few months step naturally into this leadership position. It was a simple choice for us to ask Chief Davis to move into this role,” Mayor O’Connor stated.
After taking the oath, Chief Davis spoke directly to the crowded room. “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. I never thought I would be standing here today. But because of you, I am. Thank you.”
Chief Davis started his long firefighting career at the Dormont Fire Department in 2004, where he later went on to become Chief. He has also served part-time with the Swissvale and North Strabane Fire Departments. In 2023, Davis joined the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire as the Assistant Chief of Community Risk Reduction and has served as the Acting Chief since earlier this year. In addition to serving as a mentor and fire instructor for new recruits and various agencies, he holds a Bachelor's and MBA from Point Park University and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.
Please join us in congratulating Chief Davis!
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Emily Bourne
Public Information Officer
Public Safety
emily.bourne@pittsburghpa.gov