Proud to be from Pittsburgh: Law enforcement's response to Tree of Life shooting

The Squirrel Hill synagogue shooting has changed Pittsburgh forever. In the Channel 11 newsroom, we've felt the impact of this story right along with the people of this city.

Channel 11 News Anchor David Johnson lives in Squirrel Hill and is a member of the Jewish faith. He sat down to reflect on what happened, and the pride he feels for the first responders who risked it all to stop the violence that day. Here's what he wrote:

"I was on the scene early enough Saturday to see SWAT members in full tactical gear, heading toward Tree of Life. Remember, they run toward and directly into danger, where bullets are flying, facing down a killer who had four guns, including a high-powered rifle. What they saw and experienced, we don't ever want to imagine.

"Seeing them returning from the massacre, exhausted, I just had to offer a quick 'thank you.'

"I should point out that 911 dispatchers are part of this, and it weighs heavily on them. Dispatchers like Michael Steinmiller, who knew he was sending officers into grave danger. He had already heard that an officer had been shot. Dispatcher Michele Kalinsky too, who was a lifeline for Barry Werber, who was hiding in a closet in Tree of Life.

"The officers who face the gunfire usually prefer not to talk about it, not to call attention to themselves. It's their job, they will tell you. And it's their job, their dedication, their fearlessness, that help keep us safe.

"The sister of Officer Dan Mead did talk to us. He was shot Saturday. She appreciates all the support from everyone, including the president, who stopped to see Dan in the hospital.

"So for the rest of us, especially those in Squirrel Hill, given all that happened, it's only natural to stop a police officer wherever we see them, and say a quick thanks -- and to give a quick hug. Maybe longer than a quick hug. We saw lots of those this week.

"It's a way we can reach out, literally, and say, 'Thank you, you make us proud to be from Pittsburgh.'"

Cox Media Group