Somerset County Bridge Named for Fallen Corrections Officer, Metzgar Says

August 23, 2021

HARRISBURG – A bridge dedicated to a fallen corrections officer who succumbed to injuries during an assault at the State Correctional Institution at Somerset was dedicated in Sgt. Mark J. Baserman’s memory Friday, according to Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Bedford/Somerset), who spearheaded the legislative effort (2019 Act 102) to name the bridge.

Baserman was assaulted by an inmate on Feb. 15, 2018. He was taken to the hospital and died 11 days after the assault at age 61.
The bridge, U.S. Route 219 over Walters Mill Road, will now be known as the Mark J. Baserman Memorial Bridge.

“Sgt. Mark Baserman was a beloved family member and dedicated worker, and he exemplified the best qualities of the human experience,” Metzgar said. “His loss has been felt by the many individuals who knew, admired and loved him. This bridge dedication is one thing we can do to keep his memory alive.”

Remarks at the dedication ceremony were made by Metzgar, Rep. Jim Rigby (R-Cambria/Somerset) and Pennsylvania State Corrections Officer Association President John Eckenrode.

Representative Carl Walker Metzgar
69th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
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