Jeannette to maintain increased game security

Increased security at Jeannette’s home football games will remain in place for the final two home games of the season, a school district official said.

Fans entering McKee Stadium for the Sept. 27 game against Brownsville and the Oct. 18 game against Riverview will continue to pass by a metal detecting wand, as fans did at the Sept. 13 game against Avella, Superintendent Matthew Jones said.

Tactical Enforcement Agents of Munhall was hired to provide extra security at the home games as a result of the fatal shooting of Dameian Williams, 48, of Jeannette, outside a stadium gate along Park Street on Sept. 6. Greg A. Harper, 40, of Jeannette, is charged with homicide in connection with the shooting. Harper is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Sept. 25 at the Westmoreland County Courthouse.

The security firm charged Jeannette $500 for its services at the last game, said Paul Sroka, Jeannette’s business manager. Jeannette police also provide security at the football games and will have an officer outside the stadium gates, Sroka said.

A spokesman for Tactical Enforcement could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

The district said fans will not be allowed to bring oversized bags or backpacks inside the stadium and the bags may be subject to a search. Fans are required to enter through the main gate along Park Street.

School officials will evaluate the security measures in the future, Jones said.

“We may use them next year,” Jones said.