LOWER BURRELL (KDKA) – The annual Meals Drive for Fallen Officers was held in Westmoreland County on Saturday, serving to neighbors in want and paying tribute to fallen Police Chief Justin McIntire, Officer Brian Shaw and Officer Derek Kotecki.
Dozens of individuals gathered at Decrease Burrell to recollect the three fallen officers, who died within the line of responsibility.
Brackenridge Police Chief Justin McIntire was shot and killed on January 2 whereas pursuing a needed man on parole.
New Kensington police officer Brian Shaw was shot to dying in November 2017 and Decrease Burrell officer Dereck Kotecki was shot to dying in 2011.
“We obtained concerned with legislation enforcement as a result of our group was hit so onerous,” stated David Magill, proprietor of Mogie’s Irish Pub, the place the meals drive takes place.
In his honor, varied teams at the moment are discovering methods to maintain his recollections alive whereas serving to others.
“Initially, this began as a result of we knew how low the cabinets of native pantries and meals banks get after Christmas as a result of they feed so many individuals, so we needed to begin a meals drive to restock the cabinets of our native meals banks. Leslie stated. Zellers, co-founder of the Fallen Officers Meals Drive. “We all know how essential our legislation enforcement officers are to our communities.”
Greater than three dozen volunteers assist make the occasion attainable, together with native police, ensuring meals donations get the place they should go.
“It saddens me that we’re doing this once more in such a small group, however we’re all very glad to see the outpouring of assist from our group,” stated Shasta Biricocchi.
Subsequent, the group will host a “Again the Blue” occasion in hopes of elevating donations for Chief McIntire’s household.
That occasion will happen on February 25 in New Kensington.