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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
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Allegheny County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Harry is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Harry is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Harry is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1909, 6 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1909, 99 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 52nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1909, 103 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Harry was 60. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Harry had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Harry was 60. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Harry had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Harry was 60. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Harry had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8.5% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Sundays: 12.9%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 6 deaths at Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 27.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Allegheny County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, Harry among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 55-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Allegheny County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
