Pittsburgh Mayor Appointed New Fire Chief
Mayor Corey O'Connor named Mat Davis as the city's new permanent Chief of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in People
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Mayor Corey O'Connor has officially appointed Mat Davis to lead the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire. Davis has served in the role as acting chief since June 2026.
Why it matters
The appointment fills a leadership vacancy created by the retirement of former chief Darryl Jones. This move brings permanent oversight to the fire department following a transition period.
Mat Davis began his tenure as acting chief in June 2026, following the leave of former chief Darryl Jones. The appointment was confirmed on October 2, 2026.
The players
Corey O'Connor
Corey O'Connor is the Mayor of Pittsburgh who oversaw the recent municipal leadership appointments.
Mat Davis
Mat Davis is the newly appointed Chief of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire who previously served as an assistant chief.
Darryl Jones
Darryl Jones is the former Pittsburgh fire chief who retired in September 2026.
Rea Price
Rea Price is the newly appointed Budget Director for the city of Pittsburgh.
Sylvia Harris
Sylvia Harris is the newly appointed Director of Innovation for the city of Pittsburgh.
The details
Mat Davis joined the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire in 2023 as the Assistant Chief of Community Risk Reduction. His earlier career includes service at the Dormont Fire Department beginning in 2024.
Timeline
Mat Davis began his firefighting career at the Dormont Fire Department in 2024.
Darryl Jones was placed on leave in June 2026.
The retirement of Darryl Jones became effective September 16, 2026.
Mat Davis was announced as the official fire chief on October 2, 2026.
Market Landscape
The appointment follows the retirement of Pittsburgh Fire Chief Darryl Jones, marking a shift in the department's executive command. These changes occur alongside broader administrative adjustments within the city government.
Residents can expect continuity in fire department operations as the role transitions from acting to permanent status. The simultaneous appointment of new department directors may shift administrative priorities within the city's municipal services.
The takeaway
The installation of a permanent chief provides stability for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire's command structure. Residents interested in city governance can track the performance of new department heads as they take on their official duties.
Further reading
For more information on city leadership transitions, visit Pittsburgh People.
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