25th Annual Amen Corner Law Enforcement Awards to Honor Local Police Heroes – Oct 16
AMEN CORNER TO HONOR SOUTHWESTERN PA POLICE HEROES AT 25th ANNUAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AWARDS
PITTSBURGH, PA, October 9, 2026 (PittsburghNewsWire.com) — Amen Corner, one of Pittsburgh’s oldest non-partisan civic organizations, will host its milestone 25th Annual AMEN CORNER Senator John Heinz Law Enforcement Awards Luncheon on Friday, October 16, 2026. This landmark silver anniversary event will recognize courageous law enforcement officers from across Southwestern Pennsylvania for acts of heroism, rapid tactical response, and dedication above and beyond the call of duty.
More than 400 guests—including law enforcement officials, elected leaders, media personalities, and community advocates—are expected to gather for the ceremony, which takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Rivers Casino on Pittsburgh’s North Shore.
Spotlight on Extraordinary Heroism and Tactical Courage
In the Line of Fire Award: Honoring detectives and officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Allegheny County Police who executed a high-risk vehicle pin to capture an armed homicide suspect, taking gunfire that wounded an officer before successfully taking the gunman into custody.
To Protect and Serve Award: Honoring Bellevue Police Department Sergeant Matthew Lucas, who pursued an armed carjacking suspect across multiple highways and bridges after his own patrol cruiser was rammed, ultimately leading to the capture of two violent offenders.
Starsky and Hutch Award: Honoring Indiana Borough Police Department Sergeant Jeffrey Hoag and Patrolman Andrew Koszarek for their synchronized forced entry during an active burglary, interrupting a violent attack, subduing the suspect, and providing life-saving medical care to the victim.
Not On My Watch Award: Honoring South Park School District Police Chief Todd Naylor alongside Bridgeville Borough Police Chief Gary James and Officer Robert Spencer for their sharp intuition and quick inter-agency response during a critical welfare check, locating an unconscious woman and applying immediate life-saving first aid.
911 Quick Response Award: Honoring Ross Township Police Department Sergeant Matthew Immekus and Officer Robert Farina, who used an exterior rescue ladder to breach a second-story window during a high-risk standoff, successfully shielding a trapped woman from an armed suspect and evacuating her to safety.
Honoring Regional Law Enforcement
Honorees representing police departments and agencies across Allegheny and surrounding counties will be celebrated. Awardees include officers and leadership from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police Department, Bellevue Police Department, Bridgeville Borough Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Ross Township Police Department, and South Park School District Police Department.
Awards will be presented by a distinguished roster of regional leaders and media personalities, providing excellent photographic and interview opportunities for media in attendance.
The Honorable Kevin Brobson, Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice
Hon. Tim DeFoor, Auditor General for the Commonwealth of PA
Jon Delano, KDKA TV-2
Hon. Richard J. Evanchec, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Rob Pratte, KDKA Radio Host
Troy Rivetti, U.S. Attorney, Western District of Pennsylvania
Andrew Stockey, Sports Director, WTAE TV-4 Pittsburgh Action News 4
The Honorable Dave Sunday, Attorney General for the Commonwealth of PA
Stephen A. Zappala, Jr., Allegheny County District Attorney
A Distinctive Pittsburgh Tradition
The major Amen Corner Law Enforcement Awardees will receive an exclusive Police Statue sculpted by famed Pittsburgh artist Susan Wagner. For two decades, Ms. Wagner has provided these custom statues; her notable works include the iconic statues of Pirates legends Willie Stargell, Roberto Clemente, and Bill Mazeroski.
EVENT SUMMARY AND MEDIA DETAILS:
WHAT: 25th Annual AMEN CORNER Senator John Heinz Law Enforcement Awards Luncheon
WHEN: Friday, October 16, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Event Center at Rivers Casino, Pittsburgh’s North Shore
MEDIA RSVP: Contact John DelSignore at
jdelsignore@gmail.com or 41
The luncheon is made possible by the generosity of sponsors, including Keynote Sponsor UPMC (a 18-year partner), Diehl Automotive, The Regional Council of Carpenters, Aires, Marshall Dennehey Law Firm, R.E. Heakins Expert Services, Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale Co., Shrager Defense Attorneys, and Simkovich Concussion Institute.
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