Father of fallen Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire opens up in advance of upcoming motorcycle run

There is a hole in Lee McIntire’s heart that doesn’t heal.

It’s been more than two years since his son, Justin, began his 2 to 10 p.m. shift as Brackenridge police chief, as he had done so many times before.

Shortly after leaving home, he responded to a call to assist neighboring departments in the search for a fugitive.

What began as a routine call turned into a lengthy and intense manhunt.

The chief was ambushed on Third Avenue in Brackenridge, just four doors from where he grew up. He was shot and killed in the line of duty, the first time that had happened in borough history.

McIntire was among five officers across the state to be killed in the line of duty in 2023, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page website.

“We still are grieving,” said Lee McIntire, who worked as a borough police officer in the 1980s and serves as an officer for the Highlands School District.

“We rely on God to give us comfort and know that Justin is in a better place.”

The street where the shooting occurred has since been renamed McIntire Way. A plaque in McIntire’s honor hangs at the Highlands Community Center near Golden Rams Stadium.

There have been Back the Blue concert fundraisers in his honor and even a custom-made guitar emblazoned with a blue-lined flag.

This week, registration opened for the third annual Chief McIntire Thunder Run, scheduled for Aug. 31 at Evangel Heights Church in Buffalo Township.

Last year’s event drew more than 250 riders. There are also ticket options for those who want to stay back, have breakfast and browse raffle baskets.

A portion of the proceeds will be used to create a scholarship for at least one cadet attending the Allegheny County Police Academy.

Melissa Kelley, social media coordinator for the Thunder Run, said helping a future officer with proceeds is important to the family.

“Since the passing of Justin and creating this event honoring him, the family wanted to give to first responder organizations,” Kelley said.

Previous proceeds have benefited Pioneer Hose in Brackenridge and the Harrison Township Police Department.

“Justin went to the Allegheny County Police Academy, and his family saw the money he had to put into becoming an officer,” Kelley said. “They wanted to help alleviate that cost for a cadet.”

McIntire was 46 when he was killed.

A 1994 Highlands graduate, he had served Brackenridge as an officer for 22 years. He was appointed police chief Jan. 2, 2019, exactly four years prior to the shooting.

Harrison resident Mike Pacek’s family grew up with McIntire. He said one of the most notable qualities of his longtime friend was “anyone could count on him.”

“He’d always make room for whatever you needed,” said Pacek, who counts hunting weekends with McIntire among his best memories.

Pacek said it’s important for people to keep McIntire’s legacy alive, whether it be fundraising or just talking about his love of playing cards.

“He was one of the best people I knew,” Pacek said. “I could always count on a text a few days before hunting season. I miss that.”

Ron Balla, president of the nonprofit Alle-Kiski Valley Back the Blue, said his group will forever support the effort to honor McIntire.

“We honor our local heroes who are lost in the line of duty trying to keep our towns safe,” Balla said.

“This event, in particular, they want to recognize all first responders in Justin’s honor, and we are here for that.”

The Thunder Run will begin at 8:30 a.m. with breakfast, followed by a church service with guest speakers including friends and family. Lee McIntire will deliver a few words just before 11:30, with the ride following at noon.

Food trucks and live entertainment will be offered throughout the afternoon. T-shirts will be offered for purchase.

Lee McIntire said Evangel Heights leaders approached his family with the idea to honor Justin’s legacy, and the Thunder Run was born.

He said the family is grateful for the support, but the events are bittersweet.

“These benefits are great in that there’s an outpouring of love and support and respect,” Lee McIntire said. “It warms our hearts. But what people don’t understand is that the pain doesn’t go away.”