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Whereas, on the morning of Saturday, March 10, 2012, Chuck Zezza, Peabody custodian, made an observation and reported to Pat Bigley, Acting General Foreman, that there was a strong odor of gas when he exited his vehicle near Peabody High School in East Liberty at 6:15am; and,
Whereas, Mr. Bigley and Mitchell Hovanec, Acting Plumbing Foreman, deployed district plumbers Dennis Gillenberger and Thomas Donnelly to the scene, and as they arrived they reported smelling the gas odor up to a block away; and,
Whereas, they checked the school's regulator station and meters for leaks; finding none, they proceeded to check the surrounding neighborhood; and,
Whereas, they discovered that a car had apparently hit a series of gas meters at an apartment building at 530 N. Euclid Street & Black Street. Two meters had been completely sheared off and were blowing natural gas at full pressure into the neighborhood and a third meter was severely damaged; and,
Whereas, The plumber's immediately shut off all seven gas meters to the building and began to knock on doors to alert the residents of the danger; and,
Whereas, Mr. Bigley immediately called 911 & Equitable Gas Company and informed both of the actions taken and the severity of the situation; and,
Whereas, along with the Fire Department and Police, they were able to awaken many of the residents and ventilated the building. After the situation was under control, they walked through Peabody High School checking for any gas that may have entered the building.
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Now, therefore be it resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby honor with gratitude Pat Bigley, Thomas Donnelly, Dennis Gillenberger, Mitchell Hovanec and Chuck Zezza for preventing a potential tragedy through their leadership, resourcefulness and initiative; and,
Be it further resolved, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare March 20, 2012, Plumber Appreciation Day in the City of Pittsburgh.