SOUTHINGTON, Conn. — Connecticut is mourning Thursday evening after State Police Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier died in a Southington crash.
Pelletier, a nine-year State Police veteran, was struck and killed by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 84 East near Exit 31 Thursday around 2:36 p.m., State Police said.
The driver of the vehicle that hit Pelletier fled the scene but was later caught and arrested by law enforcement, according to State Police.
Hours after Pelletier’s death, Gov. Ned Lamont announced in a release that he is asking that all U.S. and state flags in Connecticut be lowered to half-staff effective immediately. The flags shall remain lowered until sunset on the day Pelletier is buried, which has not yet been determined, the release said.
All other flags, including state, municipal, corporate or otherwise should also be lowered during that time, according to Lamont.
In the release, Lamont said he is devastated to learn about Pelletier’s death, noting that the trooper was killed in the line of duty while serving the people of Connecticut.
“This is a tragic reminder about the dangers law enforcement face every day when they leave their homes and go to work,” Lamont said in the release. “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, Lamont offered his condolences and prayers to Pelletier’s family, friends and brothers and sisters with the Connecticut State Police, the release said.
Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said in the release that she was heartbroken following Pelletier’s passing. She added that members of the State Police have a reputation for being dedicated to each other, maintaining incredibly high standards of policing and being committed to the protection and service of Connecticut residents.
“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,” Bysiewicz said, in the release. “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.”
In a release, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said that Pelletier bravely answered the call of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice on Thursday. He said Pelletier’s death is a tragic reminder of the dangers that all first responders face at work and a stark reminder to the 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,” Blumenthal said in the release. “My prayers are with the Pelletier family and the entire Connecticut State Police as they mourn this loss.”
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) said in a statement that he was "devastated" by Pelletier's death.
"TFC Pelletier bravely served the people of Connecticut for nearly a decade and his death is a terrible tragedy," Murphy said. "My thoughts are with his family and friends, and the men and women of the Connecticut State Police."
House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora said in a release that his heart and thoughts are with Pelletier’s family, friends and law enforcement colleagues. He commended Pelletier for upholding his duty to keep the state safe.
“This devastating tragedy highlights the daily dangers that Connecticut troopers and police officers confront as they protect our communities,” Candelora said, in the release. “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.”
State Sen. Herron Gaston (D-Bridgeport), who is the co-chairman of the Public Safety and Security Committee, said in a release that the loss of Pelletier is tragic and should make residents more aware of the sacrifices made by those who protect them.
“As co-chairman of the legislature’s Public Safety and Security Committee, I offer my deepest condolences to the trooper's family and colleagues,” Gaston said in the release. “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.”
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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