California chief’s death shocks first responders

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

Police, fire and EMS departments paid their respects to California police Chief and firefighter Timothy Sheehan Thursday morning, escorting his body to the funeral home following his sudden and unexpected death.

“Most of the Valley police and fire departments were involved, and the county sheriff’s office and several EMS units,” said California Borough Councilman Jon Bittner, who served on the California Borough Fire Department with Sheehan. “The family was part of the procession. Everyone gathered in front of the funeral home and Officer Tom McCarthy offered the support of the department.”

Sheehan, 50, was named police chief in February 2019 following the retirement of Chief Rick Encapera. Encapera said Sheehan’s loyalty to the job and the way he worked with the other officers made him the right choice for the position.

“He had that leadership quality that he was going to take care of them and have their back,” Encapera said.

Sheehan had been with the department for more than 20 years, serving for about 10 of those years as the school resource officer at California Area High School.

“California never had a juvenile problem because of the relationship we had with the kids at the school,” Encapera said.

California High School Principal Leigh Ann Folmar said Sheehan always made the students and staff feel safe.

“He created a sense of safety and protection for our students, staff and faculty,” Folmar said. “His three kids went to school at California and that brought an added level to his relationship with the students.”

Folmar said the students were always Sheehan’s first concern.

“He could organize a parade with two phone calls,” Folmar said. “All the playoff events our kids were in, the graduation parade, you name it.”

To read the rest of the story, please see a copy of Friday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.