It’s a dark time for the Buffalo Township Police Department.

The day after the burial of longtime officer-in-charge Lt. Alan Behanna, who died suddenly after collapsing outside his home, the department has lost another one of its own.

Patrolman Jason Sappe, a 15-year member of the police force, died Tuesday night at a Pittsburgh hospital. He was 45 and leaves four children — the youngest who is just 4 years old.

Sappe apparently died due to complications from pneumonia, according to John Haven, chairman of the township’s board of supervisors.

Haven acknowledged the loss of two police officers within a week has left the community reeling, too.

“The whole township organization is mourning,” he said. “We’ve been grieving for one, now for two.”

Sappe, who lived in Gilpin Township, Armstrong County, earlier this year contracted flu-like symptoms for which he did not seek immediate medical care, friends and co-workers said. His illness worsened and he eventually he experienced pulmonary problems that required a respirator. His condition continued to deteriorate, and in time he needed dialysis, friends said.He also reportedly suffered a brain hemorrhage Monday and in his final days was on life support. The Clawson Funeral Home in Leechburg is handling funeral arrangements.

A complete report will appear in Thursday’s Butler Eagle.