SOUTHINGTON, Conn. — Southington held its annual Wall of Honor induction on Thursday.
This tradition was started 17 years ago by a former teacher who wanted to show his students the success of other Southington High School alumni.
“The purpose is not only to honor the people themselves, but it also honors the school system,” Bob Brown, founder of the Wall of Honor, said. “It shows the public, this is what our public schools do.”
Brown said the wall allows residents to have pride in their town.
Five honorees were inducted on Thursday.
- Valerie DePaolo
- Kenneth DiMauro
- Marc Palmieri
- Norman Vancor
- Aaron Pelletier
Pelletier, a state police trooper first class, was struck and killed by a driver under the influence while conducting a routine traffic stop on Interstate 84 in Southington on May 30.
“He gave his life for our town, our state and our country,” Brown said. “I get emotional about that, but that’s the greatest sacrifice a person can make. He certainly deserves to be on the wall.”
Now, Pelletier's memory will live forever in his hometown and inside his alma mater.
Pelletier’s wife, Dominique, accepted the plaque bearing her late husband’s name.
Family, friends and members of the community came out to pay their respects for the fallen hero and his family.
“I heard that he was being honored tonight with this award, and I just wanted to come and be present for it,” Don Falk, of Cheshire, said.
On Sunday, the nonprofit group “Because of The Brave” is holding a picnic at Cheshire High School to raise money and honor the Pelletier family. Falk says there is also going to be a softball game.
“It’s from one to six o’clock… Apparently, a softball game is in the process with his troop, which is the rest of state troopers, so that ought to be fun,” he said.
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