“McKeesport Honors Fallen Officer Sean Sluganski One Year After Tragic Shooting”

– McKeesport and Baldwin communities healing after deadly shooting of Officer Sean Sluganski
– Healing process in McKeesport and Baldwin communities following Officer Sean Sluganski shooting.

Accident – Death – Obituary News : McKEESPORT, Pa. (KDKA) — It has been a year since the tragic loss of McKeesport Police officer Sean Sluganski, who was shot and killed in the line of duty. The community continues to mourn and heal from the devastating loss. Tonight, a memorial unveiling ceremony will be held in McKeesport at 5:00 p.m., where Mayor Michael Cherepko, McKeesport Police Chief Mark Steele, the Sluganski family, and others will provide remarks and raise a flag in honor of Officer Sluganski.

Following the memorial ceremony, a candlelight vigil will take place in Baldwin. Those who wish to attend the vigil are asked to meet in the Borough Building Auditorium to collect their candles. The vigil will be held in front of the building, providing a solemn space for reflection and remembrance.

In recognition of Officer Sluganski’s dedication and sacrifice, the dek hockey rink at McKeesport’s Renzie Park has been renamed the Officer Sean “Slug” Sluganski Memorial Dek Hockey Rink. This serves as a lasting tribute to his memory and the impact he had on the community.

On February 6, 2023, Officer Sluganski lost his life while responding to a domestic call. He and his partner, Chuck Thomas, encountered an armed individual on Grandview Avenue, who opened fire, resulting in the tragic death of Officer Sluganski and the injury of Officer Thomas. The man responsible for the shooting, Johnathan Morris, is facing charges related to Sluganski’s killing, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty. The trial is expected to begin in September, providing an opportunity for justice to be served.

Officer Sluganski had been serving on the McKeesport Police force for two years, joining the department in 2020 and being promoted to full-time in 2021. His dedication and commitment to his role were evident, and his loss has left a void in the community.

During Officer Sluganski’s funeral mass, he was remembered as a hero, with fond memories and tears shared by those in attendance. Bagpipers played as his casket was brought out of the hearse, and mourners gathered inside the church to pay their respects. The funeral procession traveled through McKeesport, with over 100 cars from friends, family, and fellow officers accompanying Sluganski’s body on its final journey through the city he served. He was laid to rest at the Jefferson Memorial Cemetery in Pleasant Hills, marking the end of a somber and heartfelt farewell.

In the wake of Officer Sluganski’s tragic death, efforts have been made to honor his life and legacy. The Baldwin-Whitehall School District and the Baldwin-Whitehall Educational Foundation have partnered with local law enforcement agencies to establish the Officer Sean Sluganski Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating senior of Baldwin High School who shares Officer Sluganski’s passion for serving the community and intends to pursue a career in law enforcement and crime prevention.

Additionally, a dek hockey rink in Baldwin has been renamed in honor of Officer Sluganski. Elm Leaf Park’s dek hockey rink is now known as “Slug’s Deck.” This dedication ceremony took place in August, and Officer Sluganski’s mother, Terri Sluganski, expressed her gratitude for the tribute while acknowledging the pain of his absence.

As the community of McKeesport continues to heal and honor Officer Sluganski’s memory, it is important to reflect on the impact he had during his time of service. His dedication, bravery, and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten..

1. Healing communities McKeesport and Baldwin after deadly shooting of Officer Sean Sluganski
2. McKeesport and Baldwin communities healing one year after Officer Sean Sluganski’s tragic shooting.