Pittsburgh Police Officer Dies Suddenly

PITTSBURGH, PA — Pittsburgh Police Officer Brian Rowland died suddenly on Sunday following a brief illness. The 21-year veteran of the force, who worked in Zone 6in the West End, died at St. Clair Hospital with his family at his side.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of a dedicated veteran officer and a loyal friend to many in the Bureau" Chief Scott Schurbert said in a statement. "The Pittsburgh Police family is a family in the truest sense of the word. The loss of one of our brothers in blue is felt acutely by each and every one of us. We serve together, we mourn together, and we will help each other through this
together...as a family."

Commander Cristyn Zett, who supervised Rowland in Zone 6, met him more than two decades ago when they were classmates in the police academy.

"He was a no-nonsense guy who devoted his entire adult life to protecting and serving the residents of Pittsburgh," she said.

"Brian was a devoted husband, a huge dog lover, a fitness enthusiast, a friend, and mentor to countless officers. He was always the person you wanted next to you in an emergency. His death leaves a huge void in the police bureau, and he will be missed deeply."

Rowland is survived by his wife, Krista.

Funeral arrangements were not immediately announced.

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