Motorcycle ride honoring slain New Ken officer Brian Shaw supports new generations of police

An annual motorcycle ride held in memory of a New Kensington police officer is helping put new generations of officers on the street.

About 1,000 people with 600 motorcycles participated Saturday in the eighth annual Officer Brian Shaw Memorial Scholarship Ride, which funds scholarships for cadets attending the Allegheny County Police Academy.

Shaw was 25 when he was shot and killed during a traffic stop Nov. 17, 2017.

The 63-mile ride, beginning and ending at the Pittsburgh Shrine Center in Harmar, traveled through much of the Alle-Kiski Valley.

It went past New Kensington City Hall, where a memorial to Shaw stands. Riders passed under a flag held over 11th Street by ladder fire trucks from New Kensington and Arnold.

About 200 motorcycles were registered in advance, with another 400 showing up.

“It was a great ride. We loved to see the turnout,” Jackie Shaw, Brian Shaw’s sister-in-law, said to the crowd after the ride. “This is all in memory of Brian. We’re grateful for every one of you.”

The Shaw Foundation awards two $8,000 scholarships each year that fully covers the tuition and other costs for a cadet to attend each of the academy’s two sessions, said Eric Felack, a spokesman for the ride.

The academy averages 25 to 45 cadets in each 23-week class, which start in January and July, said Lt. Brett Whittenberger, academy director.

“I can’t think of a better way to honor Brian and his sacrifice than to be here today and have this scholarship for a worthy cadet,” Whittenberger said. “We don’t ever want to forget Brian and what he did and what he gave, because he gave it all.”

There are currently 44 cadets in the program, the most since 2013, Whittenberger said.

“I think that people want to serve their communities, to be there to protect and serve, and it’s a very rewarding job,” he said.

That’s exactly what many said Shaw did during his five months serving New Kensington.

“Shaw was one of those ‘community cops.’ He wouldn’t hesitate to get out of his car and shoot hoops with some kids,” said Lew Thomas of New Kensington and president of the Steel City Vulcan Riders. “He was a great guy taken way too young.”

Describing his group as an “eating club with a riding habit,” Thomas said they’ve participated in the ride every year. He praised police, fire and medics for working together to make it run smoothly.

“It’s an enjoyable ride and a hell of a good cause,” he said.

Felack confirmed there were no problems on the ride. Of note is that it has never rained on the day of the ride.

“The riders loved the weather,” he said.

New Kensington police Chief Bob Deringer led the ride in a marked New Kensington police SUV while his daughter, Emily Deringer, drove Shaw’s pickup, a black Ford F-150 his family has kept.

Deringer was carrying a challenge coin with Shaw’s name and an image of his badge on one side. He’s kept it with him every day since the 2019 trial for Rahmael Holt, who was convicted and sentenced to death.

“We appreciate all the continuing support for the Shaw family, the community and the police department,” Deringer said.

The ride raises $35,000 to $40,000 each year, Felack said.

Much of that money comes from the basket raffle, which this year included a jersey autographed by Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, a football signed by former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and a jersey autographed by hockey great Phil Esposito.

Rob Dailey, 23, of Robinson received a Shaw scholarship. He graduated from the academy in December and has been a patrolman in Findlay for seven months.

“It was everything to me,” he said. “I really appreciate the family and everything that they did.”

Dailey had been a business student at Slippery Rock University, having no idea what he’d do with a business degree, when he decided to “jump ship” and into law enforcement.

“It was a great decision,” he said.