It’s hard not to notice the blue police signs sprouting up through Brackenridge, Tarentum and Harrison.
More than 1,000 in all, the signs are popping up in yards, parks and along streets in the week since the fatal shooting of Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire.
“What impresses me is that residents in the area have such patriotism for the police and the communities as a whole,” said Ed Kress, a Shaler attorney and former Allegheny County councilman who sponsored the signs.
They were available for free at the three municipal buildings, but supplies depleted quickly. Kress is seeking sponsors for additional printings.
“I actually started making these in 2020,” Kress said. “I did it because I wanted to make sure officers knew they were being appreciated.”
When McIntire was killed Jan. 2, Kress delivered 650 signs to ramp up visual support for local police.
“I want to create a positive work environment for our officers,” Kress said. “How would you like to go to work and get screamed at and denigrated?
“We need our officers, and they’re there for us 365 days a year.”
On Tuesday morning, the Harrison public works crew planted 200 signs along the Freeport Road median ahead of McIntire’s funeral procession that is expected to draw thousands of onlookers. American flags also were lined up along the processional route.
The signs, made of synthetic materials instead of wood pulp, are meant to withstand conditions.
Countless people have contacted Tarentum Councilwoman Carrie Fox in hopes of obtaining one.
“It’s a true honor to Chief McIntire and (wounded Tarentum Officer) Jordan Schrecengost,” she said. “The community has pulled together to show much-needed support in the A-K Valley.”
Fox said signs used to line the processional route will be available to people to take home.
Kress said it costs about $5 to print each one. He hopes everyone who wants a sign is able to get one at some point.
“The sign is a symbol, and people give life to the meaning by putting it out for all to see,” he said.
“I want (McIntire’s) family to know when they are coming up Freeport Road that they have support.”
