Tarentum officials challenge people to keep community spirit high

Tarentum Mayor Bob Lang and Council President Scott Dadowski are challenging people to maintain the lofty neighborhood spirit that spiked in the wake of the Jan. 2 death of Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire.

The pair posted a three-minute video to the borough’s Facebook page Sunday to thank everyone who wrapped their arms around the communities after the police manhunt that killed McIntire and wounded Tarentum Officer Jordan Schrecengost.

“Thanks to everyone who showed love and support,” Lang said.

“Thanks to all the local officers for stepping up and covering the calls, as well as multiple other police agencies that took the time out to patrol the area while Brackenridge police officers grieved.”

Dadowski urged people to leave up the blue light bulbs that have twice sold out during fundraisers at the borough building.

This past weekend, a sale of memorial merchandise started at 9 a.m. and already had a line of buyers wrapped around the Second Avenue building. Items were gone by noon.

Another sale tentatively is set for Sunday at the Brackenridge American Legion. Details have not yet been released.

Likewise, the “We Support Our Police” yard signs have been hard to come by despite two printings of more than 1,000. Organizer Ed Kress said he has secured sponsors to manufacture more of the signs.

“I challenge you to keep this sense of pride,” Dadowski said. “Keep those signs in your yard. Keep those blue bulbs up. There’s no need to take any of that down.”

State Rep. Mandy Steele said she was struck by the unity in Brackenridge, Tarentum and Harrison.

“It is powerful to see how community leaders and residents have come together to unite in the face of terrible grief,” Steele said. “This is a special place.”

Tarentum Manager Dwight Boddorf said the lobby of the borough building for two weeks has been inundated with donations of food and water, from people and businesses both near and far.

Dadowski said support came from “all the way through the Valley, from people familiar with our town and not.”

The Tarentum police office served as the hub for out-of-town officers who volunteered to patrol the nearby communities while local officers took time to mourn, Boddorf said.

“They came from all over the county, all over the state,” Lang said.

Added Boddorf: “There are far too many people to thank, but we want everyone to know that we appreciate the outpouring.”