Oakmont firefighter remembered for 54 years of steadfast service
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William “Billy” Peoples is being remembered by family and friends around Oakmont as a tirelessly dedicated public servant.
Peoples served with the Oakmont Volunteer Fire Department for 54 years, 12 of those as chief.
“I always remembered him being a firefighter. He didn’t want to miss a call,” said great-niece Cory Eiler, 53, of Richland Township. “He would sleep in his clothes in a recliner, ready for those calls.”
William A. “Billy” Peoples, 78, died unexpectedly from a short illness May 30, 2022 in his Oakmont home.
A lifelong resident of Oakmont, Peoples once answered a fire call at his childhood home on Fifth Street, just a few blocks from the residence he shared with his wife of 35 years, Susan, on 10th Street.
He was the son of the late Arthur B. and Florence Peoples of Oakmont.
After graduating from Oakmont High School in 1961, Peoples enrolled in the airline mechanic program at the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics in West Mifflin.
He married Susan Kochanski of Pittsburgh’s Southside Slopes in 1987 at Oakmont Methodist Church.
Peoples joined the Oakmont Volunteer Fire Department in 1968.
Eiler recalled Peoples’ dedication and devotion to the community and his family.
She remembered moving into her townhouse and receiving a visit from Peoples, who promptly tested all of the fire detectors and presented her with a fire safety ladder for the second floor.
“He always wanted to protect everybody,” Eiler said.
Oakmont Mayor Sophia Facaros stressed how much Peoples will be missed in the community.
“Bill Peoples, his longtime service to the Oakmont Volunteer Fire Department shows us how much he truly loved his town of Oakmont,” Facaros said. “He assisted greatly with the progress of the fire department and served as an extraordinary role model for those who serve us today.
“Mr. Peoples lived by his belief that a successful life should include service to others. We are forever grateful for his unselfish service.”
On Tuesday, Oakmont Volunteer Fire Department Chief Joe Flanick prepared Peoples’ turnout gear at the station.
Peoples’ bunker gear is on display next to a black wreath attached to the front of a firetruck.
“He brought loyalty and dedication. He didn’t miss a call. Everyone called him ‘Chief’ here, even after he retired. He had that respect,” Flanick said.
Peoples followed in the firefighting footsteps of his late father and former chief, Arthur B. Peoples, and brother, Dale Peoples, also deceased.
“He liked to keep the traditions. He loved the parades,” Flanick said. “The Memorial Day parade was big with Billy.”
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William Peoples and his wife were known for their festive attention to relatives’ birthdays, always calling and singing “Happy Birthday” to the celebrant.
His family said Peoples had a way of making everyone feel like they had known him for years.
“He would walk up to a complete stranger and say, ‘Hi, I’m Uncle Billy.’ Everyone called him that,” Eiler said.
Peoples worked as a lead mechanic with U.S. Airways, retiring after 39 years.
He used his extensive mechanical repair skills around the fire station, Flanick said.
“We didn’t have to hire guys to fix things around here. He was old school and beyond dedicated,” Flanick said.
“I’m going to miss his presence. Every day he would be here.”
Longtime friend Lynn Hohman and her husband knew Peoples for more than 40 years, sharing card games, meals at Oakmont restaurants and vacations, including a trip to Wyoming and New England.
Peoples drove a truck. Hohman said it was instrumental in his generous nature.
“He got more use out of that truck helping others than helping himself,” Hohman said.
Hohman recalled that even during vacations spent with the Peoples, safety was always at the forefront of his mind.
“He would always check our hotels and bed and breakfasts to see where the fire exits were,” Hohman said.
Oakmont volunteer firefighter Craig Aber described Peoples’ service to the Oakmont community as selfless.
“First, he was dedicated to his wife, and he treated the fire department like it was his extended family,” Aber said.
Peoples was a member of Oakmont Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir.
He also was a member of the Lions Club, Duquesne Canoe Club, and the Drum and Bugle Corps.
A passionate Steelers fan, Peoples was a season ticket holder since the 1970s.
“Uncle Bill always liked to go to the games in person and didn’t like to watch it on television because he couldn’t see the plays,” Eiler said.
Memorial contributions in his name to honor the Oakmont Volunteer Fire Department may be mailed to 418 Virginia Ave., Oakmont, PA 15139.