By Margaret Harding
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh police are investigating the fatal shooting of a retired city firefighter in the North Side last night.
The Allegheny Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as Mark Barry, 55.
Deputy Chief Harry Scherer confirmed that Barry was a 27-year veteran of the department. He retired in 2005, Scherer said.
“It’s really shocking to hear something like that would happen to him,” said Scherer, who had worked with Barry. “I’m very saddened by it.”
Officers responded about 10 p.m. to reports of shots fired at Mullins Street and Woodland Avenue in the city’s Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood, police said. When they arrived, they found Barry had been shot in the chest. His dog was guarding his body, police said.
Paramedics pronounced Barry, who lives in the neighborhood, dead at the scene, police said.
Barry worked as an engine driver for the 38th Company in the North Side, Scherer said. He also was a former U.S. Marine and answered to the nickname “Marco,” he said.
Barry took pride in his knowledge of city streets when he worked for the department and also had a good sense of humor, Scherer said.
“He was a really good guy,” Scherer said.
Police have offered no motive and have made no arrests.
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