New Kensington firefighters to host 1st fire safety day in honor of Matt Sobecki

Fire prevention and safety were passions for New Kensington volunteer firefighter Matt Sobecki.

When he did programs for kindergarten students at Martin Elementary School, Sobecki would show the children what firefighters look like dressed in their gear, so they would not be afraid of them.

“He was always worried that the kids would hide because they’d see this monster coming at them — with the breathing apparatus on, the sound it makes,” said his widow, Kathy Sobecki. “He never wanted to see a child die in a fire because they were hiding.”

The New Kensington Volunteer Fire Department is holding its first fire safety day in Matt Sobecki’s memory on Saturday.

Matt Sobecki, a life member of the department with nearly 50 years of service, died from cancer in May. He was 64.

The first Matt Sobecki Fire Safety Day will be held in the 800 block of Barnes Street. In addition to a meet-and-greet with members of the department, activities will include fire safety seminars, hot dogs and drinks, a touch-a-truck, fire extinguisher education and a vehicle extrication demonstration.

Fire Chief Ed Saliba Jr. said he has been wanting to do an event like this for years.

“We want to push what Matt always pushed through his career at the fire department, doing as much fire prevention and safety awareness as possible,” Saliba said. “He always led the charge at Martin school.”

Sobecki most recently was an assistant chief in charge of fire prevention. In addition to programs at Martin Elementary, he visited the city’s senior high-rises and senior citizens center. The Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association recognized him for his fire prevention efforts.

During a program in October 2021 at Martin, one of the things Sobecki stressed to the children was thattheir only concern during a fire should be getting out safely. They shouldn’t go back for anything — not their dog, a favorite toy or even their parents.

“He wanted them to know they needed to get out,” Kathy Sobecki said. “He didn’t want any fatalities or any loss of life because they weren’t properly told.”

Sobecki also had school custodian Anthony Ferma, a firefighter and someone the students know, get dressed in his gear. He told them to remember who he was before he put it all on.

“He’s the same guy. He’s nobody to be afraid of,” Sobecki told them.

Being a firefighter was a calling for Sobecki, whose father and one of his two brothers also were, Kathy Sobecki said.

“It’s something he just had in his heart — to help,” Kathy Sobecki said. “He loved this community, and that was his way of giving back.”

She and Matt were married for nearly 36 years and have twin daughters, Krista and Kelsey. Kathy Sobecki said they plan to be at Saturday’s event to help however they can.

“I can’t believe they are doing this for him. It’s such an honor,” she said. “He wouldn’t want a fuss made over him. That’s the way he was.

“I love him and I miss him. He’ll be honored and proud that this is going to continue in his name.”