Support Continues To Pour In For Fallen Canonsburg Officer
CANONSBURG (KDKA) - Tributes continue to pour in for Officer Scott Bashioum, who friends say was born to help people.
There has been an outpouring of support for the community as people from around the country have sent messages of condolence and hope.
The Canonsburg Borough Building has become the epicenter for the grieving community. It's a place where people bring flowers and balloons, but there are signs of support for the police all over Canonsburg.
It's clear that the loss of Officer Bashioum and the injury to Officer James Saieva is felt deeply in the community.
Saieva, a Canon-McMillan graduate, is in everyone's thoughts for a full recovery.
"Everyone remembers him as a student and people are sad," David Helinski said.
Helinski is the principal of Canon-McMillan High School. The large school district was closed yesterday, due to the shooting and heavy police presence.
Officer Bashioum was killed during the ambush. Meanwhile, Officer Saieva is currently in fair condition in the hospital.
The Canonsburg officers helped out at football games and during graduation.
"They knew them, they knew these guys on a first name basis and our kids are very respectful of that," Helinski said
So, Helinski wasn't surprised when he was inundated with calls and emails. Teachers and students were asking how they could help.
"I'm so proud to be the principal here because I don't have to prompt anybody. I don't have to say, 'Hey we should do this.' People are already calling me before the sun came up yesterday," Helinski said.
Before class today, there was a moment of silence.
Teachers and students declared today "Blue Day" in their honor and memory.
Now, as the healing begins, so does the planning to help raise money for the officers' families in a district-wide fundraiser.
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
