Port Vue mourning loss of former police Chief Bryan Myers

By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com

Some people are born to dance, others to sing.
But it seems former Port Vue police Chief Bryan Myers, a man who held numerous other official hats in the borough and within the communities of South Allegheny School District over the years, was born to serve, protect, advise and contribute to his community.
Myers passed away Tuesday morning at age 70, according to statements from the Port Vue Police Department and the borough administration.
“It is with my sincere, deepest sympathy to announce the passing of former chief of police of the Borough of Port Vue, Bryan R. Myers,” Port Vue police Chief David Petruski wrote in a community alert posted on the Nixle platform.
Myers was appointed as police chief in January 2012 and prior to that was lieutenant for four years.
“With my heavy heart, rest in peace Chief Bryan R. Myers,” Petruski wrote.
“It is a very sad day in the borough, with great sadness and heavy hearts,” Mayor Brien A. Hranics, Council President Mark D. Tortorice and council said in a joint statement Tuesday. “We’ve lost a true hero from our community. He was very dedicated and involved in all aspects of the borough.”
Myers started his career in Port Vue in the Public Works Department, according to council.
“He served as the mayor, was a life time member of Vigilant Hose Co. 1, worked as a paramedic with the EMS, was a part- and full-time officer, chief of police and current South Allegheny School Board member,” the council and mayor said. “He always served his community and was selfless, always willing to help anyone, a true public servant. He dedicated his life to serving Port Vue. He will be missed dearly and will remain in our hearts forever. Rest in peace our dear friend.”
South Allegheny Superintendent Dr. Lisa Duval said the district is grieving a good man.
“We are all heartbroken over this,” Duval said. “He was a lifetime member of our South Allegheny community, and as an active board member, he always wanted what was best for our students and was very supportive.
“His daughter is one of our teachers as well, and we are so terribly sorry for her and her family’s loss. We are all going to miss him tremendously.”
Since Myers was currently serving on the school board, his fellow directors will be forced to appoint a new member of the board.
Port Vue’s fire department, Vigilant Hose Company No. 1, honored Myers in a Facebook post.
“Bryan joined our family in January of 1978 and dedicated his life to public service,” the department said. “Throughout his life, Bryan touched many lives. …Bryan was the epitome of a public servant and his legacy and memory will long outlast the grief we feel in his passing. Rest with God, Bryan. We’ll take it from here.”
Myers’ fellow public servants took to the VFD’s Facebook post to share their memories about his life and service to Port Vue.
“I joined the PVFD with Bryan in Jan. of 1978,” Shawn Schultz commented. “Together we answered many, many of fire calls. He was proud to serve the people of PV in any capacity he could. You will be missed brother, until we meet again RIP. My deepest condolences go out to the entire Myers family.”
“The members of the Conway VFD send our sincerest condolences and prayers. Rest easy brother, we’ll take if from here,” firefighter Aaron Patrick said.
Myers was born July 8, 1950, in McKeesport, the son of the late Robert and Ruth Gorman Myers. He was the husband of Pamela Hetherington Myers.
A veteran of the Vietnam War, Myers was awarded the Bronze Star. He served the Port Vue Police Department for a total of 20 years of service. He was the past commander of the Port Vue American Legion post 447.
“Following Mass, the procession will enter Port Vue where additional visitors are encouraged to line Romine Avenue to show final respects,” Petruski said.
A full obituary can be viewed on page A4.