May 6, 2015

Eric Eslary - Police Officer Fatality - Pennsylvania

Lieutenant Eric Eslary, age 40, died in the line of duty on May 5, 2015, at a hospital in Pennsylvania. 
Eric Eslary

Lieutenant Eslary was a member of the Ligonier Township Police Department. He had 17 years of service. 

At about 2:00 a.m., his patrol SUV was struck head-on by a van driving the wrong way on a divided highway. The collision occurred at a hilltop and Eric basically had no warning of the oncoming vehicle's approach. Eric was rushed to a nearby hospital where tragically he died of his injuries. 

The male driver of the van, Clair Fink III, age 31, was taken to a hospital in critical condition. 

Eric's Police Dog (K-9), Blek, was also seriously injured and underwent emergency surgery. 

The circumstances of the collision are under investigation. 

It is unknown at this time if the driver of the van was impaired by drugs or alcohol. There has to be some reason for driving the wrong way on a highway. 

Eric was a Mason, Vice-President of the Fraternal Order of Police and a frequent community volunteer. He had served as a volunteer firefighter and a youth softball coach. He was well-known for his involvement in safety and anti-drug programs at local schools. 

Donations are being accepted at Washington Financial C/O Eric Eslary, 3616
Michael, Archangel, Patron
Saint of the Police, pray for
Eric and for those who have
lost him.
Washington Road, McMurray, Pa., 15317; or Western Pennsylvania Police Benevolent Foundation, 337 Winners Circle, Cannonsburg, Pa., 15317. 

The Ligonier Township Police Department is in mourning over the death of their brother. He was a fun-loving family man.  The K-9 unit was extremely important to him. He will be forever remembered.

Comrades and friends describe Eric as a professional who was dedicated to his family and to his work.

Eric's loved ones are devastated over his sudden and tragic death. He will be forever mourned.

Eric is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including his parents, Robert and Pearl Eslary; his sister, Donna; his brother, Robert; his wife, Mary Beth; and six children - Morgan, Lauren, Colin, Kaylee, Lukas, and Dylan.

Thank you for your service to the community, Eric. 

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and are gone before we can say goodbye.

Pray that Eric is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

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