ATF seal
ATF text
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

News Release

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Contact: Public Affairs Division

ATF Presents Director’s Award to Retired Pittsburgh Police Chief

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Director Steven Dettelbach is pleased to announce Scott Schubert, retired Chief of Police for the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, as this year’s ATF Director’s Award recipient.

The award recognizes outstanding and exceptionally significant service in the public interest. It is ATF's highest award for external individuals or organizations who provide outstanding cooperation or superior support to ATF's mission.

With 29 years of law enforcement to his credit, Schubert is a veteran officer and seasoned senior leader who has been an invaluable partner to the ATF Pittsburgh Field Office.

“His commitment to the safety of Pittsburgh residents and ongoing support to ATF is unmatched. Chief Schubert’s dedication and partnership led to great success in a variety of ATF missions including civil unrest, critical incidents, violent crime investigations, and even in our joint special events,” Dettelbach said while presenting the prestigious award at the Eradicate Hate Summit in Pittsburgh. “His long-standing working relationships with ATF at the local and national levels contributed immensely to ATF’s mission and public safety as a whole. The Pittsburgh Field Office, Philadelphia Field Division, and ATF appreciate his leadership, mentorship, and partnership.”

Schubert partnered with ATF Pittsburgh to address firearms related violent crime through his support of two collaborative task forces, as well as his service as a founding member of ATF’s National Crime Gun Intelligence Governing Board. He also provided insightful training and mentorship to future federal law enforcement leaders at ATF’s Leadership Institute.

ATF Pittsburgh worked with Schubert during several mass shootings including the 2012 shootings at the Western Psych Hospital and the 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue attack where 11 worshipers were killed and six wounded. ATF and the PBP also worked closely to address the 2020 civil unrest. During these and other critical incidents, Schubert actively sought out ATF’s participation and expertise.

Prior to becoming Chief, ATF Pittsburgh Field Office worked extensively with Schubert on numerous special events and homeland security-related topics including the 2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game and the 2009 G-20 Summit. Schubert relied upon ATF’s expertise in explosives arena to coordinate the bomb data center for both events.

“I thank Chief Schubert for his outstanding partnership over the years and know that his good work has solidified relationships between the PBP and ATF for years to come,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Varisco, Philadelphia Field Division.

ATF is the lead federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction involving firearms and violent crimes, and enforces criminal and regulatory laws involving bombs, explosives, and arson. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

Headquarters