Fayette County , PA : One police officer was killed after SUV going the opposite way turned in front of his police car at Route 51 on Sunday, December 14th 2014

All Pennsylvania flags at state facilities in Fayette and Westmoreland counties were ordered to be flown at half-staff Monday in honor of a Perryopolis police officer who died in a crash on Route 51.

State police investigating the fatal crash say Officer Richard Champion was headed south with his emergency lights and sirens on when an SUV going the opposite way turned in front of his police car. The vehicles collided, and Champion's car burst into flames.

Champion had been a member of the Perryopolis Police Department for only eight months. He previously worked part-time for Derry Borough Police in Westmoreland County. Before graduating from the Westmoreland County Community College Police Academy in November 2013, Champion served with the U.S. Army, including two tours overseas. The 35-year-old from Ligonier leaves behind a wife and a 16-month-old son.

"Excellent officer, outstanding officer. He was a great asset to our department. I was very proud to work alongside of him. I was very proud to have him as an officer with the Perryopolis Borough Police Department," said Chief Roger Beadling, with the Perryopolis Police Department.

The crash happened outside Big Barn Country Store. People inside the restaurant said they heard the crash and tried to help. They say Champion appeared to be unconscious and he was locked in his car.


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Perryopolis officer killed in Route 51 crash