Pittsburgh firefighters, police return to renovated East Liberty station

The historic fire and police station in East Liberty is once again housing Pittsburgh's firefighters and police.

In 1929, the first sandstone blocks were placed for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire and police station along North Euclid Avenue in East Liberty.

"It is paramount that our public facilities meet the needs of our sworn officers and firefighters," said Chip Gaul, assistant director of the Bureau of Facilities within the Department of Public Works.

But over the years, the structure would not.

Those stationed in the venerable building endured mold, general despair and a 2020 fire. Things got so bad that Zone 5 police officers and Pittsburgh Fire Engine and Truck Company 8 had to find new places to serve the public.

That was, until Monday.

"A fire station represents safety, connection, and a promise that if there's a call for help, someone will answer," said Matt Davis, acting chief of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire.

To assist in that, the renovations include updated firefighter sleeping quarters, break rooms and full kitchen facilities.

"We are finally back in an actual neighborhood, walkable to so many; we are back in the community, and that matters," said Pittsburgh Police Chief Jason Lando.

Zone 5 police stationed here also have new office spaces, meeting rooms, classrooms and training facilities.

"It's important that the public is interacting with our police so there is more consistency with what's going on," Zone 5 Public Safety Council President Zinna Scott said.

To that end, the old courtroom in the building will be a new venue for community-based events and other functions.