Effort underway to 'Flood Freeport Road' in honor of fallen Chief Justin McIntire

A Tarentum man who credits Justin McIntire with saving his life plans to honor the late Brackenridge chief with a proper farewell.

Bill Pacek of Tarentum will be among thousands who are expected to “Flood Freeport Road” during a funeral procession Wednesday , Jan. 11 for the fallen chief.

“It’s good. You’ll see how many people care about him,” said Pacek, whose four sons grew up with McIntire.

“I couldn’t help him on Monday, so I gotta be there to send him off.”

Efforts are underway for people to line Freeport Road from Tarentum to Mt. Airy Cemetery in Harrison, dressed in blue and waving American flags as police escort McIntire’s body from Mount St. Peter Church in New Kensington.

Harrison resident Kate Bielak envisions a sea of people lining the main artery for miles.

“I just know so many people want to show their solidarity, gratitude, respect and love for the chief, his family and all of our police officers,” Bielak said.

McIntire, 46, was killed in the line of duty Monday.

Public visitation is set for 2 to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Ross G. Walker Funeral Home in New Kensington.

Church services will be at noon Wednesday followed by the procession to Mt. Airy at 2800 Freeport Road.

“I wanted to coordinate a safe way that we can line the streets as they bring the chief to his final resting place,” Bielak said.

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Pacek said it was during one of countless hunting expeditions to Clearfield County that McIntire “literally saved my life.”

“It was 1999, and we were up at camp when I had a heart attack,” Pacek said. “If he wouldn’t have gotten me to the hospital, I would’ve died.”

Earlier this week, people gathered spontaneously for a police procession carrying McIntire’s body from Pittsburgh to the funeral home.

Despite pouring rain, hundreds flanked both sides of the Tarentum Bridge as the ambulance passed by. Crowds were filled with friends and strangers.

Highlands Superintendent Monique Mawhinney said the district will operate on an asynchronous learning day, which means there will be no live instruction for students and no expectations for them to log into homeroom or any classes that day.

Students should check their Google Classroom for schoolwork and will have until Jan. 17 to submit it.

“This allows our families and their children to pay their respects by attending the funeral and procession that will follow,” Mawhinney said. “Giving them additional time to complete the work avoids parents worrying about returning home after an emotional day to complete schoolwork. It also allows district staff to be able to pay their respects, as well.”

Bielak, an Army veteran, said she believes business owners will stop and step out for the processional.

“I want his wife, kids, mom, dad, siblings, friends and fellow officers to see and feel our support and deep gratitude. I ask the community to bring flags, create posters, wear blue and come out en masse.”