When Chief Justin McIntire went to work Monday, Jan. 2, he didn’t come home.

He didn’t know it would be his last time saying goodbye to his family or his last time putting on his uniform.

Similarly, on Dec. 4, 1980, Saxonburg Police Chief Gregory Adams didn’t know it was his last time waking up or his last time serving his community.

McIntire, 46, was killed Jan. 2 while on duty in Brackenridge pursuing a Duquesne man wanted for weapons-related parole violations and eluding police. McIntire was a police officer for 22 years. He was appointed chief in 2019.

In 1980, it is believed that Adams, 31, was shot and killed after conducting a traffic stop. It is believed that when Adams asked the suspect to provide his driver's license, the driver gave Adams a fake ID and then shot him twice. Adams would be in his 70s if he were alive today.

Since 1980, much has changed. But one thing that remains the same is that when police officers start their day, they might give their life for the job, for the protection and service of others.

That’s why thousands of people — including a number of Butler County law enforcement officers — came together Wednesday: Because any day, any shift, any call can be the last for a police officer. They put their lives on the line for us.

The funeral for McIntire was held at Mount St. Peter Church in New Kensington after his body was taken by horse-drawn carriage to the church from the Ross G. Walker Funeral Home.

Butler County Sheriff Mike Slupe said his office sent two cars with deputies.

“It’s a huge sign of solidarity and it’s solemn, and if you really think deeply about it, it could have been any officer,” Slupe said.

Any day can be their last, but our police officers still choose to take that risk and to answer the call to protect the community.

For their service, we sincerely thank them.

— TL