While some might classify Roland G. Shannonhouse of Hermitage as a modern black hero, the Farrell High School grad is too bashful to support that claim.

But let the tally speak for itself. He's a 13-year state trooper, assistant junior varsity coach in Hermitage and assistant boys varsity basketball coach in Farrell. All are jobs that take patience and dedication.

After patrolling full-time and coaching on the down time, he still finds the time to serve on the usher board at Community Missionary Baptist Church in Farrell, which he attends.

And while Shannonhouse endlessly downplays any claims of heroism, he does admit it it was hard work and self-discipline that achieved his goals. After working with the youth he said one reoccurring problem is they generally accept discipline, but won't discipline themselves.

"That's what we're lacking. (Kids) respect us and listen, but to go the extra mile they have to have self-discipline. Discipline yourself so I don't have to."

Shannonhouse said he learned a great deal about self-discipline from the people who raised him -- his grandparents, the Rev. Robert E. and Elizabeth Chavers. Rev. Chavers is pastor of the Community Missionary Baptist Church, Farrell.

"That's my man," Shannonhouse said as he spoke lovingly of the reverand, the only father he knew. He said he's never met his real father; his mother lived in Youngstown.

"It didn't have an effect on me growing up. My grandparents were the best and my mom was always within reach. I was fortunate to have two mothers," he said.

Being raised in a family headed by a church pastor meant Shannonhouse would grow up in the church. Attending Sunday services was a requirement while living under his grandparents' roof, but Shannonhouse said church was never forced on him. "My grandparents really made us make decisions at a young age and that helps me now."

He considers growing up in the church one of life's bigger advantages.

"It gives you a solid foundation," he said. "Most of those people in church are like second family. You can really depend on them," he said, adding that if it weren't for his church family, he'd probably be dead today.

Shannon "House on fire," as locals have referred to him, may be legendary in the valley from his talent on the basketball court, both in high school and college.

He did well in high school as a two guard averaging 19 points per game his junior year with the Steelers. His skills earned him a scholarship to Robert Morris College, Moon Township as a point guard, a change from his high school position. The transition wasn't easy, he said.

"Point guards are born. It's a difficult skill to acquire and it takes a lot of patience. A lot of instincts are involved and I didn't have them," he admitted.

He eventually left Robert Morris for Gannon University, Erie, where he attended from '85 to '88. The small school environment was better, giving him the opportunity to play his "natural position."

Shannonhouse later realized college wasn't his thing.

"I knew I wasn't going to graduate college," he laughed. "So I said what's the best job I can get without a degree."

After talking to some trooper buddies, he decided to give police duty a shot and graduated in 1992. For a while he lived in Pittsburgh closer to work, but later decided to move back to the Shenango Valley. Bill Michaels, then head basketball coach in Farrell, asked if he would come help out with the team. That's how he got involved with coaching.

Rev. Chavers, who raised 11 children of his own, spoke highly of his grandson calling him a "fine young man who always had a beautiful attitude and personality." He said Shannonhouse still comes by the house to check on his elders.

"I never had any problems with Roland," Rev. Chavers said. "He is very respectful, kind and generous and always has been. He makes sure we're never without or in need."

"I raised Roland from a baby and I had six other sons beyond him. He was outstanding even beyond my own sons. I never had problems with Roland. No problems. None."

Rev. Chavers said Shannonhouse is also a great asset to the church.

"Anything the church needs they can call on him to do it and he won't even hesitate. He does it with a smile and that's just him."

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Larissa Theodore at ltheodore@sharonherald.com