Those who spoke of Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire at his funeral Wednesday remembered him as a kind, forthright man with a love of family, community service — and the occasional practical joke.
More than 1,000 police officers from around the state attended the funeral at Mount St. Peter Church in New Kensington. They were joined by hundreds of family, friends and political leaders who paid respect to the man all called a hero.
Law enforcement agents stood at attention more than 30 minutes outside the church while McIntire’s family prepared to leave Ross G. Walker Funeral Home, about a block away.
Police from as far as New York stood watch, while local officers from Harrison and Tarentum escorted mourners during the brief walk to the church from the funeral home.
Officers saluted McIntire’s family as a drum and bugle corps led the procession.
In attendance was wounded Tarentum officer Jordan Schrecengost, still recuperating after being shot in the leg during the same manhunt that claimed McIntire’s life.
McIntire’s body was taken to the church via a horse-drawn caisson.
The two horses were adorned in blue ribbons and sported blue hoofs, the color to honor fallen police officers.
The church was filled to capacity, with hundreds more police, first responders and community members either outside or watching it on television inside nearby The River Community Church on Freeport Road.
The church funeral service began with strong vocal performances by Christina Bolcato and Commander Richard Manning from Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office along with pianist Bill Tobin.
A family reading from Pastor Dean Ward of The River stressed heavily McIntire’s hometown roots — he grew up in Brackenridge and graduated from Highlands High School — and the community’s love of the McIntire family. McIntire’s mother, Emma “Lori” McIntire, provided Ward with a poem McIntire wrote to her, that poem ended with “I’m thankful Mom that God gave me to you.”
Then Ward read a tribute she wrote to her son: “I watched you grow up from a skinny boy to a strong, tall man in a small town that you have loved so much. You loved this community, and your people loved you. And you gave the ultimate sacrifice for your family and community very close to your childhood home. Now, you are in a more heavenly home. I am so thankful that God chose me to be your mother.”
The Rev. Nathan Watkins of Evangelical Heights Church read comments from McIntire’s father, John “Lee” McIntire, himself a former Brackenridge police officer.
“Justin, I never expected to be here for a memorial service honoring you. It’s not natural for a parent to bury a child. I’m lost with thousands of ‘what if’ thoughts. I’m a retired police officer, and I’m angry at the system for allowing this to happen. But I rejoice in the million memories I have since your birth.”
In addition to the other police officers, at least a half dozen police dogs and their handlers attended the service in the church and the overflow at The River. Homer City Police Chief Anthony Jellison, who brought his police dog, Thor, said he didn’t personally know McIntire.
“It’s a brotherhood,” Jellison said. “We look out for each other no matter where.”
A note from the McIntire family was included in the funeral program. They thanked family, friends and law enforcement agencies across the country.
“Our family is forever thankful for all that has been done to honor our beloved Justin,” the note read.
Greensburg Diocese Bishop Larry Kulick, the son of former Leechburg police Chief Larry J. Kulick Sr., gave one of the most moving tributes.
He remembered the murder of Apollo police Officer Leonard Miller more than 40 years ago. Kulick, a child then, asked his grandmother why people like Miller and his father risked their lives to protect people they don’t even know.
“It’s because people like your father know they must do good. For evil will continue to grow. It’s when good men do nothing, when the good people do nothing, that is when evil will continue to grow,” Kulick said, recalling his grandmother’s answer.
It was a calling Kulick said McIntire not only continued but gave his life for.
Related:
• Photo gallery: A community remembers Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire
• Rep. Chris Deluzio honors fallen Brackenridge police chief in House floor speech
The eulogies remembered McIntire’s even temper, love of hunting and fishing, and low-key nature.
That nature was in stark contrast to the spectacle of law enforcement and community support on full display outside the church.
Hundreds of state police troopers marched to the church. The approaches to the church were filled with them and the scores of local police officers who turned out to support their fallen comrade. Lines of still more police lined the streets while the procession made its way to and from the church.
Hours before the funeral, hundreds of police and emergency vehicles were staged around New Kensington, including municipal parking lots, roads and other areas around downtown.
Watch an archive video of the service:
It wasn’t limited to the area of the church.
Those not attending the funeral showed their support for McIntire and all police officers by turning out to view the funeral procession from the church in New Kensington to Mt. Airy Cemetery in Harrison.
The funeral procession begins at Ross Walker Funeral Home in New Kensington for
Brackenridge Police Chief Justin McIntire’s Funeral. pic.twitter.com/F2awNEjmBA— Mary Ann Thomas (@MaThomas_Trib) January 11, 2023
A sea of fellow officers line up to honor fallen Brackenridge Chief Justin McIntire pic.twitter.com/vrIWTj54qD
— TawnyaP (@tawnyatrib) January 11, 2023
Cindy Eshenbaugh of New Kensington held a handmade poster as a sea of officers departed the services to the somber bellow of bagpipes.
She didn’t know McIntire but wanted to pay respects after having attended the funeral five years ago for slain New Kensington Officer Brian Shaw.
“That one hit hard,” said Eshenbaugh, a resident of Kenneth Avenue. “He used to pull up and talk to my grandkids. We need to honor these officers.”
Even before the funeral service ended, supporters gathered along First Avenue in Tarentum and Freeport Road in Brackenridge.
“I’m paying the ultimate respect for McIntire and what he did in protecting our community,” said Tarentum resident Paula Richards as she held an American flag in chilly temperatures, waiting for the procession. “I come from a line of first responders. I feel heartbroken but proud because it shows what our community can be. Know this community will have your back, now and forever.”
Harrison resident Kate Bielak helped to coordinate a “Flood Freeport Road” gathering of community members lining Freeport Road from Brackenridge to the cemetery during the procession.
Bielak expressed her deepest sympathy and prayers to McIntire’s family and friends and described the day as “one of the hardest of our lives.”
“We wish we could take this all from you,” Bielak said. “The anger rages at how senseless this was. We hope the outpouring of love and support from your very grateful community brings even a moment of relief during your torrential sorrow.”
Brackenridge resident Rylee Sgourakis braved the cold along Freeport Road hours before the procession would make its way past her.
“I think it’s a terrible thing that has happened, and I want to pay my respects. I feel so bad for the families and everyone who was affected,” Sgourakis said.
Troopers from across the Commonwealth have arrived on scene for the funeral of Chief McIntire. pic.twitter.com/OYBtvRRd5j
— Troopers Allison, Gagliardi & Barnhart (@PSPTroopBPIO) January 11, 2023
A few hundred people and several dogs lined Freeport Road outside Mt. Airy Cemetery. Some waved American flags and others recorded the spectacle on their cellphones as the procession moved past.
People stood on hillsides or along the four-lane road. The procession moved under an American flag that was secured by firefighters between two ladder trucks from Highland and Hilltop Hose companies.
Flashing blue and red lights streamed on for about 40 minutes as many quietly watched, a few with their hands on their hearts on the chilly afternoon.
Tons of police cars lined up all around Mount Saint Peter Church in New Kensington for the funeral of Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire. pic.twitter.com/PdWBTf8ku7
— Kristina Serafini (@KristinaS_Trib) January 11, 2023
Black and blue ribbons adorned the cemetery entrance.
Highlands Elementary School third grader Lyndi Fudurich clutched an American flag along Freeport Road in Brackenridge as she awaited McIntire’s funeral procession.
“I came here because the chief has been helping this town, and it’s sad he got killed. I want to support his family,” Lyndi said.
Harrison residents Gavin and Gina Virag stood outside their home near the cemetery entrance with their dog, Ella, and an American flag while their 1-month-old son, Griffin, was cared for inside by his uncle, Clayton Smith of Sarver.
The Virags said they wanted to show their support for the McIntire family, but agreed that it’s an important thing to do for police officers every day, not just when tragedy hits.
“It’s just so cool to see the community so together,” Gina Virag said.
“I think we need to treat the people who protect our communities a lot better,” Gavin said. “It’s a dangerous job, and I don’t think we treat them well enough.”
Police from New Castle and Lawrence County make their way to the funeral for fallen Brackenridge Chief Justin McIntire pic.twitter.com/iVZwOz0pNf
— TawnyaP (@tawnyatrib) January 11, 2023
The funeral and procession disrupted traffic on both sides of the Allegheny River, with residents asked to remove their vehicles from the procession route and multiple roads being closed or restricted. Police detoured traffic for much of the day.
According the Allegheny County spokeswoman Amie Downs, the “End of Watch” call for McIntire on 911 radio frequencies was transmitted after his body laid to rest at the cemetery.
New Kensington fire Chief Ed Saliba Jr., who attended the funeral service, said there have been 11 line-of-duty deaths among first responders in the Alle-Kiski Valley since 1953.
