Slain police officer always wanted to give something back
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Friends of the New Kensington police officer killed in the line of duty Friday night remembered the 25-year-old as a tremendous athlete with a competitive spirit whose greatest victory came when he was able to make someone smile.
Officer Brian Shaw, who was fatally shot during a foot chase after a traffic stop, had served as a part-time officer in three other towns before joining the New Kensington police force full time in June.
“There is currently a $40,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person who shot Officer Shaw and killed a young, bright, energetic, caring officer that was loved by his family and the members of this police department,” New Kensington police Chief Jim Klein said Saturday. “He gave his life protecting this community.”
Officer Shaw graduated from Burrell High School in 2010. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice/ law enforcement administration from Slippery Rock University in 2015 and attended the Allegheny County Police Training Academy in 2014, according to his social media accounts.
In high school, he played soccerand was a kicker on the SlipperyRock football team.
Shawn Lutz, who was Slippery Rock’s associate head coach and defensive coordinator, said Officer Shaw was a part of two championship teams in 2011 and 2013, and described him as a “quality, intense competitor who was very athletic and well liked by his peers.”
“He always talked about giving something back and being on the police force,” Mr. Lutz said. “Things work in crazy ways, but it happened in his hometown. I know he’s so proud of where he came from, and that he loved his family. ... Words can’t describe how big of a loss this is to us, his community, and his family.”
Friends described Officer Shaw as a “freak athlete” who possessed a combination of sizeand speed.
“He was a beast on the field,” said Jimmy Mazary, who grew up playing soccer withOfficer Shaw.
Thad Madzelonka, the slain officer’s freshman roommatein college, described him as lighthearted, but disciplined.
“You could always depend on him to not only be there to support you and have your back, but he was definitely always a leader,” Mr. Madzelonka said.
“He was just a great guy,” said 26-year-old Mike Ferraco, who played club soccer with Officer Shaw for more than a decade. “He was always happy. He was a fierce competitor, but he put it in a positive light. ... He always gave 100 percent. I’m sure as an officer, he was the same way.”
Brandon Schaber, 27, said he was best friends with the unmarried officer since childhood. The pair spent hours togetherplaying video games.
“We were inseparable,” Mr. Schaber said outside the Rusiewicz Funeral Home in Lower Burrell on Saturday. “Kid had a heart of gold. Made everybodylaugh.”
He said the hours since his friend was shot have “been hell.”
Mr. Schaber said Officer Shaw became a police officer because he wanted to help people. He said Officer Shaw was happiest when “putting a smile on people’s faces” and letting the people he was helping know that someone was therefor them.
He hugged Officer Shaw’s parents, Stephan and Lisa, before they entered the funeral home Saturday afternoon. He said he told the Shaws, “I love you.I wish Brian was here.”