Trooper Moms group, community step up to organize meal for officers in town for chief Justin McIntire's viewing

The tragic death of Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire has reinforced the bonds of the Alle-Kiski Valley community through mourning, cohesion and charity.

That spirit will continue Monday when a dinner is held for local law enforcement officers and others from across the state who are traveling to New Kensington for the public viewing of McIntire’s body.

McIntire was shot and killed Jan. 2 during a police foot chase in Brackenridge.

The dinner is sponsored by Trooper Moms, a group of volunteers who are mothers of Pennsylvania State Troopers. Linette Johns of Upper Burrell is organizing the dinner and an attached fundraising event that will provide for the McIntire family.

Johns said she expects about 150 people to attend the dinner, which will be provided only for free to law enforcement officers who are in town for McIntire’s viewing. Several local businesses are providing food, drinks, desserts and more, and the Trooper Moms and their friends will be cooking and preparing the meals.

A mother of a police officer, Johns said it is important to support the community in times of need.

“I hope I am never on the receiving end, and I hope to do everything we can to help the grieving families and officers,” she said.

Johns said she has been impressed with the level of support the community has shown following McIntire’s death. This will be the biggest event she and her local group of Trooper Moms have put on, she added.

The American Legion in Brackenridge donated its hall for the dinner Monday evening, Johns said. The Olive Garden at Pittsburgh Mills is providing pasta and breadsticks for the meal, and Oakmont Bakery has donated a variety of goods.

Johns said Dunkin’ in Tarentum is providing coffee, and Uncle Charley’s Sausage in Parks Township is donating sausage that Johns will cook for the dinner.

“The community has really, really stepped up,” she said.

Oakmont Bakery owner Marc Serrao said he was happy to contribute to the dinner. He said he sees police officers as the “ultimate heroes” for the sacrifices they make.

“They don’t know me or my family, yet they are willing to die to protect us,” said Serrao. “For that, I am committed to support them in any way I can. I am grateful for the years Chief McIntire served our communities and paid the ultimate sacrifice. My heart grieves with the McIntire family.”

The free dinner after McIntire’s viewing at the American Legion in Brackenridge is only for law enforcement officials.

Trooper Moms began organizing in 2020. Johns said the group provides meals and snacks to police barracks, usually following the death of an officer. She said she was inspired by the support that poured out following the death of New Kensington police Officer Brian Shaw in 2017.

Johns said the Trooper Moms have raised about $1,000 for McIntire’s family. Fundraising is ongoing, she said.

“It is our way of showing support for McIntire and other fallen officers,” Johns said. “We are moms, and our heart breaks for them.”

Visitation for McIntire will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Ross G. Walker Funeral Home in New Kensington.

Johns said the dinner for law enforcement officers will start about 6:30 p.m. Monday.