Watch CBS News

Ligonier Twp. Officer's Badge & K-9 Partner To Be Retired

LIGONIER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) - A Ligonier Township K-9 officer who was injured in a crash that killed his handler will retire tonight.

Blek has been living with Lt. Eric Eslary's wife since he was killed in May.

The township will retire Blek at tonight's commissioner's meeting.

They will also retire Eslary's badge number.

Eslary was killed when his police SUV was hit by a suspected drunk driver going the wrong way on Route 30.

According to search warrant paperwork, four first responders to the scene of the crash reported smelling a strong odor of alcohol on the breath of the suspect, Clair Fink III.

Last month, Fink was taken into custody and charged in the crash.

As he walked into his preliminary hearing, Fink said "I'm very sorry. There's no words that can be said. I regret… there's no words."

Stay With KDKA.com For More Details

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.