News

Two Westmoreland County officers killed in the line of duty receive national honor

Officer Lloyd Reed Jr. and Lt. Eric Eslary

WASHINGTON D.C. — The names of two local police officers killed in the line of duty last year are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial.

Ligonier Police Lt. Eric Eslary died when his patrol car was hit head-on by a wrong-way driver in a van on Route 30 in Ligonier Township last May.

The van was being driven by Clair Fink III, according to police.  Fink is charged with third degree murder, homicide by vehicle while DUI and other charges.  He’s awaiting trial.

St. Clair Township Officer Lloyd Reed Jr. will also be honored.  He was fatally shot while responding to a domestic violence call in November.

Ray Allen Shetler Jr. fired at Reed in front of Shetler’s home, according to police.  Shelter was caught six hours later.  He faces the death penalty if convicted in Reed’s murder.

A candlelight vigil for all 125 officers lost in the line of duty is Friday at 8 p.m. You can watch it

HERE.