SOUTHINGTON, Conn. — Hundreds of people gathered for a moment of silence in Southington June 3 for Connecticut State Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who died after being hit by a truck during a traffic stop on Interstate 84 last week.
It’s one of the many ways the community he took an oath to protect and serve is honoring him ahead of his funeral on Wednesday, June 5.
There will be a private viewing time for family and friends Tuesday afternoon followed by calling hours for law enforcement Tuesday night. Then, on Wednesday morning at 11, Pelletier’s funeral will be held at the Xfinity Theater in Hartford. Doors open at 9 a.m. and the public is welcome to attend.
Flags across the state continue to be flown at half staff in memory of the 34-year-old trooper, who leaves behind a wife and two young sons. One of his children threw out the first pitch over the weekend for the Yard Goats at Dunkin Park. Baseball fans erupted in applause and gave him a standing ovation.
In Southington, the city’s superintendent announced schools will close on Tuesday, June 4 for the fallen trooper’s wake and will dismiss students early Wednesday, June 5 for the funeral. It’s planned to be held at Della Vecchia Funeral House, where a memorial grows in honor of Pelletier’s service and sacrifice.
“It's just hard to see a fellow first responders pass away in life to be like this,” Jan Krause, who is an EMT, said. “Just happens too often, you know, this is like the fourth officer to die in the line of duty in the last few years.”
The tributes are also pouring in online, where hundreds took out their check books to support the Pelletier family. A GoFundMe page has surpassed $400,000 with organizers hoping to raise a half million.
Bridgette Bjorlo is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at bbjorlo@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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