Community Rallies Around Ailing Former Fire Chief

UPPER ST. CLAIR, PA - In December 2017, former Upper St. Clair fire chief Steve Moore went to the hospital for treatment for a severe headache. Less than 12 hours later, he was undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor.

Moore was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an extremely aggressive form of brain cancer. Nine months later, another tumor was removed. The surgery left him with speech difficulties, and the increased levels of chemotherapy treatments made it difficult to work and led to his retirement last April from the Upper St. Clair School District.

In November, he was diagnosed with blood clots in his lung and legs and was confined to a bed for weeks. He since has struggled to regain his strength and has been moved to a rehabilitation facility for physical, occupational and speech therapy.

Moore's health woes prompted him to recently step down as fire chief, but his service to the community has prompted people to contribute to a GoFundMe campaign to help the Moore family with his mounting medical expenses. As of Tuesday, more than $15,000 of the $40,000 goal had been pledged.

Township firefighter Marc Chlebowski, who organized the fundraising effort, said Moore has helped keep the community safe for decades and his legacy will last indefinitely.

"Steve has personally mentored and coached me to follow the proper and effective way of firefighting," Chlebowski said. "I am not the only one that has latched onto his method of training. He has inspired many high school age junior firefighters that have inspired them to take on careers in the military, and others that have moved on the successful careers inspired in public safety."

Chlebowski said the Moore family has liquidated assets, passed around the boot and now has resorted to asking for public help.

"The funds will be directed immediately to long-term care and aftercare," Chlebowski said. With the community's support, "Steve will be able to maintain his track to stay mobile, stimulare his cognitive ability and live comfortable during the care that he receives."

To visit the GoFundMe page for Moore, click on the link.