Lou Costanzo has helped keep Sharpsburg residents — and others across the Lower Valley — safe for more than half a century.

The lifelong borough resident joined the fire department at 18, following “all the older guys who I saw doing it and loving it.”

Costanzo never left. He worked his way through the ranks, eventually earning the role as chief which he filled for 23 years.

“I never imagined that would happen,” he said.

Costanzo was honored during the Feb. 26 council meeting by Mayor Kayla Portis and was met with a round of applause from the audience, which included fellow firefighters and some Fox Chapel Area High School students.

“Every fire station needs a Lou Costanzo,” said Mike Daniher, chief of the Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services (SAVES). The department was formed in 2023 when the Sharpsburg and Aspinwall fire companies merged to amp up volunteers and boost efficiency.

Daniher said Costanzo has been his mentor for 30 years.

“He does a great job welcoming everyone that joins and making them feel welcome and like family,” Daniher said.

Portis presented Costanzo with a proclamation, saying it was “well deserved (for) 50 years of protecting us.”

The ceremony highlighted Costanzo’s dedication and unwavering commitment to the borough. He now serves as SAVES assistant chief of the Sharpsburg station.

“His tireless efforts, steady leadership and steadfast devotion have strengthened emergency services, safeguarded countless lives and inspired generations of firefighters and first responders,” the proclamation read.

The mayor said Costanzo is kind, funny and “chill” when not responding to emergencies. The community feels safe with him around, she said.

“There wasn’t a seat left in the house (at the meeting),” Portis said of the turnout. “I think it’s beautiful.

“It speaks volumes to his character, for all those people to come out and honor him.”

During his years with the borough’s fire department, Costanzo oversaw many changes and helped usher in updated safety equipment.

It rolled out a new ladder truck in May 2021, replacing the former ladder truck that was 21 years old.

He remains active with recruitment efforts, noting that SAVES recently took in five new members. He also helps with the department’s yearly Good Friday fish fry, which is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 3 at Camp Guyasuta.

Costanzo said he toys with the idea of retiring every so often — “but I just keep going.”

“It’s been a lot of fun,” he said. “I enjoy it, and I’ve made a lot of good friends.”