CONNECTICUT, USA — Connecticut officials and first responders are sharing their condolences following the hit-and-run death of State Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier.
Pelletier was conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 84 eastbound on Thursday near Exit 31 in Southington. According to state police, Pelletier pulled the driver over, and he had his lights and siren on as they moved over to the shoulder.
As Pelletier spoke with the driver, a red pick-up truck in the right lane had driven over the line and struck him. State police said the driver of the truck didn't stop and continued to drive east when witnessed called 911.
According to officials, the truck eventually stopped in the area of Exit 39A due to the truck's damage. The driver is currently in police custody. The suspect has not been identified at this time.
Police departments and other first responders across the state, including state officials, issued condolences and statements of support following the news of Pelletier's death.
Gov. Ned Lamont ordered flags at half-staff in honor of Pelletier until an undetermined date. He and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz also issued a statement in remembrance of Pelletier.
“I am devastated to learn about the loss of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed today in the line of duty while serving the people of Connecticut,” Lamont said. “This is a tragic reminder about the dangers law enforcement face every day when they leave their homes and go to work. Trooper Pelletier served Connecticut with honor, integrity, and commitment, and he embodies the definition of public service. His courage and bravery will never be forgotten. On behalf of the State of Connecticut, my condolences and prayers go out to his family, friends, and brothers and sisters with the Connecticut State Police. I ask the people of Connecticut to keep Trooper Pelletier in their prayers.”
“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Trooper First Class Pelletier,” Bysiewicz said. “Members of the Connecticut State Police are known for their steadfast dedication to each other and to maintaining incredibly high standards of policing – but above all to their unwavering commitment to the protection and service of others and our state. State Troopers are out every day on our roadways trying to protect the public – it is tragic to know that this Trooper’s life was lost while conducting a routine traffic stop. I want to urge residents to please always remain vigilant and cautious when driving, but especially when the State Police are on the roads performing their jobs. My prayers are with the loved ones and colleagues of Trooper Pelletier.”
Sen. Richard Blumenthal said:
“Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier bravely answered the call of duty this afternoon and made the ultimate sacrifice. His death is a tragic reminder of the dangers all first responders face at work, and a stark reminder to motorists that they must slow down and move over for stopped emergency vehicles. Failures to slow down and move over are common killers on our roadways and this loss should be a lesson that saves the lives of other courageous first responders. My prayers are with the Pelletier family and the entire Connecticut State Police as they mourn this loss,” Blumenthal said.
Sen. Chris Murphy said:
“I am devastated by the loss of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed in the line of duty earlier today. TFC Pelletier bravely served the people of Connecticut for nearly a decade and his death is a terrible tragedy. My thoughts are with his family and friends, and the men and women of the Connecticut State Police.”
Attorney General William Tong said:
“I am absolutely heartbroken for the family of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier. We must all pray for and support his family and friends, and every state trooper and officer today, especially those who worked alongside Trooper Pelletier and those who are still out on our roads right now keeping our communities safe in the midst of this tragedy. This demonstrates how much risk our state troopers and law enforcement take every day to keep us safe. From what we know so far, this did not have to happen. We must do all that we can to stop the dangerous and reckless driving putting people, families, and our law enforcement at risk all over our highways today."
House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora said:
“My heart and thoughts are with the family, friends, and law enforcement colleagues of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed today while upholding his duty to keep our state safe. This devastating tragedy highlights the daily dangers that Connecticut troopers and police officers confront as they protect our communities. I am deeply grateful for their courage and sacrifice and will always remember the risks they take to serve us all. May God bless Trooper Pelletier."
Senator Herron Keyon Gaston, co-chairman of the Public Safety and Security Committee, said:
“Today’s tragic loss of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier is a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by those who protect us,” Senator Herron Keyon Gaston, D-Bridgeport, said. “As co-chairman of the legislature’s Public Safety and Security Committee, I offer my deepest condolences to the trooper's family and colleagues. This terrible incident should serve as a reminder to all of us to exercise care and responsibility behind the wheel in order to protect ourselves, other drivers and the lives of the dedicated men and women who keep us safe.”
Sen. Republican Leader Stephen Harding and Senate Republican Caucus said:
“Our state collectively mourns the tragic loss of State Police Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier and we pray for his family. Trooper Pelletier died while in service to the people of Connecticut. He made the ultimate sacrifice while doing his job and protecting the public. We are all grief-stricken. His dedication and courage will never be forgotten.”
Ed Hawthorne, President of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, and Shellye Davis, Secretary-Treasurer of the Connecticut AFL-CIO said:
“The Connecticut AFL-CIO expresses our deepest sympathies to the family and colleagues of Trooper Pelletier. This is a reminder of the risk our state troopers and all first responders take each and every day as they try to serve the residents of our state. More must be done to protect these workers so they are able to do their jobs as safely as possible.
Every worker deserves to be able to go to work and return home safely to their families. That’s really all any worker wants. Earn a decent living and return home safely.
We will keep Trooper Pelletier, his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Chief State's Attorney Patrick J. Griffin said:
“Today, I join with New Britain Judicial District State’s Attorney Christian M. Watson, Hartford Judicial District State’s Attorney Sharmese L. Walcott and the entire Division of Criminal Justice in expressing our deepest condolences to the family, the law enforcement brothers and sisters, and friends of Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed in the line of duty on Thursday.
Trooper First Class Pelletier’s senseless death is a bitter reminder to us all of the life-and-death risks brave public servants like Trooper First Class Pelletier face when they go to work.
The Division stands today and every day in support of all our courageous law enforcement officers in Connecticut who put their own lives on the line to serve and protect and keep our communities safe.
Please join us in showing our gratitude and support to all law enforcement officers, and at this time particularly those with the Connecticut State Police, as we all mourn the tragic loss of Trooper First Class Pelletier and pray for peace for his family and friends.”
Vanessa Roberts Avery, the U.S. attorney for the District of Connecticut, said:
“This is a sad day for law enforcement and a sad day for all of us in Connecticut, and I offer my heartfelt condolences to his wife, two young children, family, friends, and colleagues in the Connecticut State Police. Trooper Pelletier’s life and stellar career, which included service on a federal task force charged with fighting violent crime in the Hartford area, was cut way too short by this senseless event. His death provides a terrible, but necessary, reminder of the dangers that all members of law enforcement face every day. Their work to keep our communities safe, to keep our streets and roads safe, is never routine.”
The Hartford Police Department said:
“The thoughts and prayers of the Hartford Police Department are with our brothers and sisters at The Connecticut State Police, as well as the family and friends of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who lost his life while in the performance of his duties. May he rest in peace.”
The Middletown Police Department said:
It is with profound sadness that on behalf of the Middletown Police Department we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Connecticut State Police and the family of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier. The loss of Trooper Pelletier is felt deeply across all law enforcement agencies and the communities we serve.
Trooper Pelletier's dedication, bravery, and unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the public exemplify the highest standards of our profession. His sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us.
During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Pelletier's family, friends, and colleagues. We stand in solidarity with the Connecticut State Police as they navigate this profound loss.
The Vernon Police Department said:
"The Vernon Police Department extends our deepest sympathies to the Connecticut State Police on the line of duty death of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, at this difficult time."
The Shelton Police Department said:
"Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier #536 End Of Watch: May 30, 2024. A hero, brother, son, father, husband, and Police Officer, he sacrificed his life to protect others. May God rest his soul. Thank you Trooper First Class Pelletier for all you have done for the citizens of Connecticut, a true hero! Our thoughts and prayers are with The Connecticut State Police and the Pelletier Family."
Central Connecticut State University Police Department said:
Our prayers go out to the family and friends as well as the entire staff of the CSP during this tragic time.
The Seymour Ambulance Association said:
Our thoughts and prayers to the CSP and the Pelletier family.
CT Transit said:
Our family at CT transit sends our sincere condolences to the loved ones of CT State Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier of Connecticut State Police-Troop H Hartford. Trooper Pelletier was struck and killed while conducting a traffic stop on I-84 east this afternoon.
A 9-year veteran of the Connecticut State Police, we thank Trooper Pelletier for committing his life's work to protecting our community. The unwavering pride and professionalism he displayed throughout his life and career will never be forgotten.
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