Nov 18, 2016 2 min read

State Rep. Brandon Neuman, D-North Strabane, started efforts to dedicate a local bridge in honor of slain Canonsburg police Officer Scott Bashioum.

In response to requests from borough council, Mayor David Rhome and police Chief Alex Coghill, Neuman wants to name the span on Central Avenue the “Officer Scott Bashioum Memorial Bridge.”

“I embrace wholeheartedly the sentiments of the community and local officials to honor Officer Bashioum,” Neuman said. “Naming the Central Avenue bridge over Chartiers Creek as the Officer Scott Bashioum Memorial Bridge would honor this American hero who served and sacrificed so much in so many ways.”

Bashioum, 52, a seven-year veteran of the Canonsburg Police Department and a 29-year U.S. Air Force veteran, was killed Nov. 10 while responding to a domestic violence call on Woodcrest Drive. The alleged shooter also killed Dalia Sabae, who was pregnant, before killing himself.

Neuman and Coghill said the community also owes a debt of gratitude to other officers in the tragedy, including Bashioum’s partner, Officer James Saieva, who was wounded in the ambush and is recovering after surgery, and Officer Donald Cross, who risked his life to save Bashioum and Saieva while under gunfire. Officer John Holt of Cecil Township police and Sgt. Matt Collins of Peters Township police also displayed incredible bravery, said Neuman and Coghill.

“In the wake of this tragedy, we must find ways to heal, but never to forget,” said Neuman. “The sadness that will never end must not deter us from providing greater protections for police and domestic violence victims.”

Neuman submitted documents that would dedicate the Route 980 bridge in Bashioum’s honor.

“The community continues to grieve over the loss of Scott,” said Rhome. “Naming this bridge after him will help preserve his memory.”

Said Coghill, “It is important for the recovery of this community and the Canonsburg Police Department to memorialize Officer Bashioum for his selfless and heroic action in laying down his life by sustaining a nonsurvivable wound while still returning accurate fire at the suspect, with a high probability that he saved wounded Officer Saieva’s life.”

State Fire Commissioner Tim Solobay, noting Bashioum served with the Slovan Fire Department, said he made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Scott Bashioum was a dedicated member of our police force and each day dedicated himself to protect our residents,” Solobay said.