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Incident
Patrolman Brian Shaw was shot and killed while making a traffic stop of a vehicle in the 1200 block of Leishman Avenue at approximately 8:00 p.m.
The vehicle's passenger fled on foot during the stop, then opened fire on Patrolman Shaw as he pursued him. Although he was wearing his vest, Patrolman Shaw was fatally wounded in the chest during the foot pursuit. The subject fled the scene but was arrested on November 21st, 2017.
On November 12th, 2019, the subject was convicted of Patrolman Shaw's murder. He was sentenced to death plus an additional 10.5 to 27 years for weapons charges in February 2020.
Patrolman Shaw had served with the New Kensington Police Department for only five months. He had previously served as a part-time officer for three years with the Cheswick Police Department, Frazer Township Police Department, and East Deer Township Police Department.
Survivors
He is survived by his parents, brother, and grandmother.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Patrolman Shaw gave the New Kensington Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the New Kensington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Shaw.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Brian is the only officer of New Kensington Police Department remembered here.
Brian is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Brian is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Brian 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 2017, 1 officer in PA was killed feloniously, the 120th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 2017, 59 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2017, 64 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 125th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Brian was 25. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Brian had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Brian was 25. 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. Brian had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Brian was 25. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Brian had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 9.4% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Fridays: 15.6%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at New Kensington Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; .40 caliber, in 100% 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; .40 caliber, in 0.2% 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; .40 caliber, in 0.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .40 caliber, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 21-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from New Kensington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.