Sheriff Garcia Mourns the Loss of On-Duty Sergeant

Buffalo, NY – Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia reports with great sorrow the passing of 39-year-old Sergeant Arthur Basher yesterday, March 29, while he was on duty at the Erie County Holding Center.

At approximately 4 p.m., Sgt. Basher suffered a medical event while on post. Deputies and medical staff from the Division of Correctional Health administered CPR and other medical measures but could not revive him.

“Today, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office family mourns the loss of one of our brothers - Sergeant Basher,” said Sheriff Garcia. “I want to express my condolences to his family and let them know I am praying for them during this terrible time.”

Sergeant Basher was a nine and a half year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office and was promoted to sergeant in 2017.

Sheriff Garcia continued, “We are all stunned and shaken by his passing, and I have arranged for grief counselors and peer counseling to be available at the holding center.”

In observance of Sergeant Basher’s passing, the Sheriff’s Office placed a shroud on the memorial stone in front of 10 Delaware and is providing support to the family.