Two local police departments and the communities they serve are mourning the unexpected deaths of two of their own on New Year’s Eve.
South Abington Township Officer Scott Seigler and Carbondale Police Officer Dominick Andidora Jr., both died of natural causes, leaving behind a gap in their departments that will be hard to fill, officials say.
Seigler was at home with his family, when he suddenly felt ill, collapsed and was taken to the Geisinger Community Medical Center, where medical personnel tried unsuccessfully to revive him.
Township Police Chief Paul Wolfe said Seigler, a veteran officers who worked full time for the department for 16 years, was well known and well loved by the entire community.
Wolfe believes Seigler would say his greatest accomplishment was as a husband and father to his daughter and two sons.
Carbondale police officer Dominick Andidora Jr. (SUBMITTED)
South Abington Twp. Police Officer Scott Seigler. (SUBMITTED)
“Officer Seigler was a dedicated member of the South Abington Township police department and took great pride in serving the community he lived in and loved,” the department said in a social media post. “He was a great mentor to new recruits but above all else an amazing friend, husband and father. All of our thoughts and prayers are with the Seigler family, friends and community as a whole.”
Andidora also passed away on New Year’s Eve while preparing for a work shift later in the day.
Carbondale Mayor Michele Bannon said the city is mourning Andidora’s unexpected loss.
“He was a wonderful human being and a great cop,” she said. “He was a foundational part of the department and will leave a big gap.”
Andidora was with the department since 1993. His father also served as police chief, and retired in 2003.
Bannon, who has served the city for about 31 years, said, “I’ve never before been without an Andidora at the department.”
Both Wolfe and Bannon said the timing, with the deaths occurring on a day expected to be a joyful and celebratory, deepened the sense of loss.