New Kensington residents mark 5th anniversary of police officer Brian Shaw's death in line of duty

It has been five years since New Kensington police Officer Brian Shaw was killed in the line of duty.

For many, like police Chief Robert Deringer, it feels like yesterday.

“They say time heals all wounds,” Deringer said, standing across the police station after a memorial service Thursday night. “It hurts just as much today as it did that first night I heard about it.”

Shaw was shot and killed Nov. 17, 2017, during a traffic stop in the 1200 block of Leishman Avenue. He was 25. Shaw served with the New Kensington Police Department for nearly five months.

About 100 people gathered Thursday at his memorial stone outside city hall to mark the fifth anniversary.

“I think we’re doing as best we can,” Deringer said. “I’m more concerned with the family. I’m there to support them as best I can.

“I want to make sure that the officers are continuing to cope, as well.”

A Lower Burrell resident, Shaw graduated from Burrell High School and, later, Slippery Rock University with a degree in criminal justice.

Mayor Tom Guzzo delivered a speech surrounded by some of Shaw’s immediate family members, who did not talk during the service and declined to speak with the media afterward.

Guzzo talked about how Shaw will be remembered not just as a police officer, a son, a brother and a boyfriend, but “someone who meant so much to so many of us.”

“A police officer signs on because they know there are people that depend on them,” Guzzo said. “They sign on because they know that they’re making a difference, and it would be chaos without them. They sign on because they truly care about the welfare of others. Brian Shaw understood that and embraced that.

“Brian made an immediate and noticeable impact on our police force, on our city and our entire community. That is why his ultimate sacrifice means so much and continues to be felt so deeply. The turnout today is not only a tribute to his service in our community, but an acknowledgement of the amazing person that Brian was and the legacy that is his life.”

The mayor also talked about the strength of Shaw’s family and the city’s commitment to them and the fallen officer’s memory.

“They have shown such courage, dignity and grace in the face of all of this,” Guzzo said. “We will always be there for them. They have been a source of strength not only for me but for this entire community.”

The family was presented with a wooden flag with Shaw’s name, badge number, and start and end dates of service embossed on it. The message “Back the Blue” was written on one of the bottom stripes.

Deringer helped to present it to the family. He said it was made by a Brackenridge man who worked with Shaw’s father. The woodworker’s name was not released.

Shaw’s community-oriented approach is constantly being encouraged within the city’s police department.

“He is what I would want all officers to be like,” the chief said. “He blew away the old stigma of cops riding around in cars. He would stop, get out, talk with the citizens. He played ball with kids out on the street. He could talk to anybody. He was (a) very approachable, super nice guy. In the short span, you could just tell he was going to do great things in his career, which was unfortunately, as we all know, cut short.”

The chief keeps a challenge coin with Brian’s name on it in his pocket as another reminder of his service.

Resident Chris Gott met Shaw at the Pittsburgh Mills mall in Frazer. As the pair chatted, he got a chance to check out Shaw’s police cruiser.

Gott said he visits Shaw’s memorial frequently and will never forget their friendly exchange.

“He’s in my heart forever,” said Gott, 34. “He’s very kind. He was a wonderful officer in the city of New Kensington. I miss Brian so much.”