NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. — A New Kensington church was filled to the brim with law enforcement for the funeral of fallen Brackenridge chief Justin McIntire.
PHOTOS: Funeral for fallen Brackenridge Police Chief Justin McIntire
While some attendees knew McIntire, many did not but wanted to show their support.
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“It’s not a small loss, that’s for sure it’s a great loss for the community, a great loss to police all around,” said Sgt. Nathan Ferree with Greene County Regional Police.
You could feel the heavy hearts as hundreds of officers stood outside the church to say one final goodbye to their fallen hero Brackenridge Police Chief Justin McIntire.
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“It gets a little bit heavy because you think about that you think about your community and your coworkers’ friends and family and what would happen if that was in your community,” said officer Alexandra Arthurs with Morgantown police.
That’s why officer Arthurs made the journey from West Virginia to stand alongside these hundreds of law enforcement officers.
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“I’ve heard stories seen Facebook posts you name it he’s been around this community in more ways than one even as small a community or as big as you can get the impact people have on the people within the community really shows and today it’s in full force,” said Trooper Rocco Gagliardi with PSP Pittsburgh.
Those who knew McIntire best were inside the church and while it was too tough to speak, one pastor did read a letter from McIntire’s mom.
“You laid down your life and gave the ultimate sacrifice for your family and community very close to your childhood home. but now, you are in a more beautiful heavenly home. I love you Justin more than you will ever know. I’m so thankful that god chose me to be your mother. Love, Mom,” said Pastor Dean Ward with The River Community Church.
A protector and family man who his said fought the good fight hopes this group follows in his footsteps.
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“Are you fighting the good fight today? if you’ve been considering giving up... we need you. We need each other. We must continue our race, because life is not the end here,” said Pastor Daniel Corfield with Evangel Heights Church in Sarver.
There were officers from local municipalities, but also from across the state. It didn’t stop there, a group of officers are in a program called “Brotherhood of the Fallen” and they travel to officer funerals to pay respects to the family and give a donation.
Some of those officers came from New York, Chicago and even Texas.
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