NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. — Final farewells started Monday for fallen New Kensington police Officer Brian Shaw, 25, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop Friday night.
The line outside the Lower Burrell funeral home stretched down Leechburg Road Monday and Tuesday night.
Police officers, firefighters strangers and friends came to pay their respects to Officer Brian Shaw.
The final call for Officer Shaw played over the police scanner Tuesday night.
“He was always a nice kid. He was just great. I remember just laughing. He was always having fun,” Katie Shreckengos, Shaw’s classmate in high school, said.
The officer's car was draped in black ribbon, the flag at half-staff outside the funeral home.
People who didn't even know him came to say goodbye.
“We just came out to show our respect. Appreciate everything the police do for our community,” said John Radeshek, a member of the community.
His funeral will be held Wednesday at Mount St. Peter Roman Catholic Church in New Kensington.
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"He will always be remembered for his charismatic, outgoing personality and addictive smile," Shaw's obituary says. "He enjoyed working out, soccer, football, hunting, playing with his dogs Satie Mae and Gus and was a fan of all sports."
"Brian is bringing together our community in his loss. It's very sad," said Cole Taylor of Lower Burrell. "Brian always wanted to do good by the community and always wanted to give back."
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Shaw, a 2013 graduate of Slippery Rock University and 2014 graduate of the Allegheny County Police Training Academy, served with the New Kensington Police Department for less than a year. He worked in East Deer, Frazier and Cheswick beforehand.
"Now he's truly watching over everybody," said Sherry Hankey of New Kensington. "Thank you for caring so much and giving your life to protect the citizens of New Kensington and Lower Burrell."
Shaw was from Lower Burrell and graduated from Burrell High School in 2010. He then attended Slippery Rock University, where he was the football team’s place kicker for four years.
A memorial fund has been set up for Officer Shaw. You can donate by going to any First National Bank or sending a check to:
First National Bank
c/o Officer Brian Shaw Memorial Fun
110 Burrell Plaza
Lower Burrell, PA 15068
Cox Media Group