BUFFALO TWP — The longtime officer-in-charge of the township police department died Wednesday morning.

Lt. Alan Behanna, 59, died at Butler Memorial Hospital, according to an obituary notice.

Township Supervisor John Haven, board chairman, said Behanna was on duty when he returned to his home on Hepler Road after forgetting to take medication.

Haven said Behanna collapsed outside his home.

According to Butler County 911 records, Saxonburg Ambulance was dispatched at 9:07 a.m.

Haven said a fellow officer administered CPR to Behanna.

“They tried to revive him,” Haven said.

Behanna joined the department in 1981.

“His length of service speaks for itself,” Haven said. “It’s going to be a blow for us.”

Supervisor Gary Risch, who oversees the police department, agreed that Behanna’s loss would be felt.

“He is going to be sadly missed,” Risch said.

Haven said the township sends its regrets.

“Our condolences go out to the family,” he said.

The Fox Funeral Home in Saxonburg is handling the funeral arrangements.

Sgt. Rick Healey is in charge of the department until the supervisors name a permanent replacement.