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Community mourns Canonsburg police officer killed in line of duty

Thoughts and prayers are being sent to Canonsburg from across Pennsylvania and across the country after an officer was shot and killed Thursday morning while responding to a domestic dispute.

Officer Scott Bashioum and Officer James Saieva were ambushed when they arrived at the home. Bashioum, who was also a volunteer firefighter, did not survive.

The shooting greatly impacted the tight-knit community, and a sign out front of the municipal building asked for prayers and thoughts for the officers and their families. A memorial grew throughout the day with balloons, flowers and mourners.

"You never expect (this) in your neighborhood. It's a shock because you're dealing with a loss of a life. A father, husband, son is gone," said Scott Snyder, of Canonsburg.

"We lost a comrade, brother in blue. Our hearts go out," Canonsburg Mayor David Rhome said.

People who live on West Country Barn Road in Chartiers Township tied blue ribbons to lampposts. Many lights in lampposts and homes there have also been switched to blue, to honor Officer Bashioum.

A 50/50 raffle was held by the Cannon-McMillan Boosters Club during Friday night's football game between Brentwood and Washington for both of the officers' families. The Primanti Brother's Washington location will be donating 10 percent of this weekend's sales to Bashioum's family.

Tom Olszewski lives on the road and knows the Bashioum family.

“It’s sad, extremely sad, and it’s hard,” Olszewski said. “I think it helps you not get over but get through a very difficult time.”

Those blue ribbons are doing more than simply showing support. Jocelyn Beresh started selling them Thursday for $5 each, with all the proceeds going to the Bashioum family. In 24 hours, she raised more than $1,400.

“Just put a blue ribbon on my tree out there and though maybe other people would too,” Beresh said. “We’re all family whether we know each other well or not. Our kids are at the same bus, our kids play the same sports.”

There was also a tribute outside of the Pike Inn Restaurant in Houston, where Bashioum and his wife were regular customers.

"Super nice guy. Great family man, loved his kids. Always talked about his kids," said Holly Tatano, of the Pike Inn.

Hundreds gathered Thursday night outside the police station to hold a vigil in honor of Bashioum, who was the first Canonsburg officer to die in the line of duty in the town’s history.

"We knew there would be people here, but I don't think anyone ever thought there would be this kind of sympathy and caring for our community,” Canonsburg Mayor David Rhome said.

Local faith leaders prayed over Canonsburg and asked God to protect law enforcement officials.

"When you're under that kind of incredible stress and the love that comes out between the officers, you can see they were willing to lay their life down for that incident,” Canonsburg Police Chief Alexander Coghill said.

Coghill said for now, it’s about preserving the memory of Bashioum, praying for both officers’ families and protecting the town.

"This profession is a family, and we have a long road of recovery ahead of us,” he said.

Coghill told Channel 11 News that planning for Bashioum's funeral began Friday, and he expects more than a thousand officers from across the country to attend.

Funeral arrangements for Bashioum have been made through Beinhauer Funeral Home, with visitations being held Monday and Tuesday 3 to 9 p.m. both days. Dr. Stuart Broberg will be officiating at the Church of the Covenant in Washington on Wednesday at 12 p.m.

Meanwhile, Saieva remained at  Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh Thursday night in stable condition. Authorities said he was shot in the stomach. Saieva also serves in the small town of Houston as a part-time officer in his free time.

"Between here and Canonsburg, Jimmy just about knew everybody," Houston Mayor James Stubenbordt said.

He is surrounded by family and friends, but now must process and grieve his colleague who was killed alongside him.

The Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police sent this statement to Channel 11 News:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased officer. He is a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the community he served. We honor his bravery and unselfishness in the face of danger. We also join the Canonsburg community in praying for the healing of the wounded officer. We ask all Pennsylvanians to pray for these officers, their families and their communities."

Other departments commented on Twitter:

Bishop David A. Zubik said:

"My heart and my prayers are with all of those suffering because of the terrible tragedy this morning in Canonsburg. I invite all the faithful of the Diocese of Pittsburgh to pray with me for the souls and the loved ones of the deceased victims: Officer Scott Bashioum and the woman and unborn child whom the officers were attempting to rescue. Our prayers also go up for the survivor officer; may God grant him a full recovery.  We pray for the shooter and his surviving family. And finally, we are grateful for the first responders who continually risk their lives to protect all of us from harm. May God grant them protection, wisdom and courage, and hold their families close."

The Canon-McMillan School District issued the following statement Thursday afternoon:

"We are saddened and we express our deepest sympathy to those involved with the tragic events that took place in our community today.  
 
"School will be in session tomorrow and the school district is prepared to offer any support needed to accommodate our staff and students."

Rep. Tim Murphy, whose district includes Washington County, also released a statement:

"This tragedy reminds us of the unending bravery our law enforcement officers put on display every single day. They deserve our deepest gratitude and respect for their choice to put their lives on the line in protection of our safety. To Allegheny and Washington county officers, and all law enforcement across the country, thank you for your selfless courage to keep us safe."

Gov. Tom Wolf released the following statement on the shooting in Canonsburg:

“On behalf of Frances, myself, and all Pennsylvanians, I offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of deceased Canonsburg Police Officer Scott Bashioum and the female victim of the shooting, and wish a full and quick recovery to the second officer recovering from injuries. These officers put their lives on the line to protect their neighbors and one of them made the ultimate sacrifice. For that, we will always be grateful. I also want to thank the local law enforcement and the Pennsylvania State Police for their swift response and work to keep others safe.”
 

The following statement was issued on behalf of Allegheny Health Network:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the police officers who were wounded in the line of duty this morning in Canonsburg, as well as with all of our brave and dedicated first responders who put their lives at risk every day to assure the safety and security of our communities.   Today our community tragically lost one of its heroes, and another was seriously injured.   We are forever indebted to them,  and to their families, for their remarkable public service and for their sacrifice.    We also extend our deepest appreciation to the exceptional caregivers at Canonsburg Hospital and Allegheny General Hospital, particularly those in our emergency, trauma and critical care services, for the extraordinary care and compassion they provide to our patients.” 

Cox Media Group

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