Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Harry Exley was shot and killed during a period of rioting by steel workers in McKees Rocks Borough. Martial law had been imposed in the city as a result. Deputy Exley was fatally shot as he sat in a vehicle at the Pressed Steel Plant at the intersection of George Street and Nichol Avenue.
Private John Williams and Private Jack Smith, with the Pennsylvania State Police, were also shot and killed during the riots.
Deputy Sheriff Exley served with the Allegheny County Sheriffs Office for six months and previously served with the Pittsburgh Police Department and Pennsylvania Railroad Police for a total of 14 years of service.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-117BD858- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Exley gave the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Pittsburgh community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Exley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Harry H. Exley is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,759 officers honored here.
In PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 47.3 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, 4 of 6 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Harry H. Exley's cause is highlighted.
How Harry H. Exley Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Harry H. Exley is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Harry H. Exley was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Allegheny County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
