Allegheny County officers receive honors for Tree of Life response

Allegheny County police officials on Friday honored SWAT and bomb squad officers who ran toward the gunfire last year when a mass shooter stormed a Squirrel Hill synagogue.

The Oct. 27 shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue brought officers from Pittsburgh and beyond to the scene, including county police officers.

“It was an incredibly horrible, tragic day that the city of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County endured,” Superintendent Coleman McDonough said. “I think it’s human nature we always look for the light in times of darkness, and the light that we get from the bravery and the courage of all the responders that showed up that day without any thought for their own safety … it’s a shining example not just for law enforcement, but the greater community.”

Seventeen SWAT officers and five members of the bomb squad received Awards of Merit. McDonough said their work helped evacuate frightened congregants, two of whom were injured by gunfire.

Beyond that, he said, three others further distinguished themselves, helping to evacuate two Pittsburgh SWAT officers wounded in a shootout with the suspect. Lt. Michael O’Keefe, Lt. Kenneth Ruckel and Officer Greg Renko were awarded the Police Combat Cross.

“I’m proud of everyone that went in the building that day,” said Ruckel, who was also promoted to lieutenant during the ceremony. “I feel humble. I appreciate the outpouring of support.”

Those who received merit awards are Lt. Lewis Ferguson, Sgt. Michael Holzer and the following patrol officers:

• Edward Altmeyer

• Christopher Brown

• Brian Cervone

• Paul Ewin

• Michael Feeney

• Bryan Fiorito

• Joseph Gordon

• Brian Keefe

• Scott Klobchar

• Evan Melendez

• Justin Peck

• Michael Scanlon

• Steven Sywyj

• Eric Weisser

• Daniel Witt

Members of the explosive ordinance disposal team who received awards were: Lt. Robert Synan, Officers Monique Jones, Richard Painter and Robert Poloka, and Officer Nathan Dimit and K-9 Pedro.

The following officers also received promotions and were sworn in Friday.

• Homicide Lt. Andrew Schurman was promoted to the position of inspector.

From sergeant to lieutenant:

• Jonathan Love
• Wesley McClellan
• Kenneth Ruckel
• Robert Synan

From patrol officer to sergeant:

• Todd Dolfi
• Michael Havens
• Michael Holzer
• Michael Kuma
• John Robb
• Dennis Stiokis
• Brett Whittenberger

Megan Guza is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Megan at 412-380-8519, mguza@tribweb.com or via Twitter @meganguzaTrib.