SOUTHINGTON, Conn. — Following a private wake for family and friends, hundreds of people from the law enforcement community gathered at the Della Vecchia Funeral Home to pay their respects for fallen Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier.
Pelletier was killed Thursday after being hit by truck on Interstate 84 during a traffic stop.
Police departments from across the state came to show their support. Among the first people to pay their respects were fellow troops from Pelletier’s Connecticut State Police graduating class.
Officials estimate over 2,000 people were in attendance between both wake services, including Gov. Ned Lamont.
The show of support by law enforcement extended well past the Connecticut state line, with all New England state police agencies lined up to honor Pelletier.
The community is still rallying behind Pelletier’s wife and two young sons as a GoFundMe set up by Connecticut State Police has raised over $490,000 so far.
Sign up for the FOX61 newsletters: Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, Evening Headlines
Raise the Standard, an apparel company based in Windham, is also raising money for Pelletier’s family. The company is selling a thin blue line flag shirt bearing Pelletier’s badge number and all of the profits will go directly to the family.
“We just want people to strive to be the best version of themselves and taking care of their neighbor and that's kind of why when we heard about Trooper First Class Pelletier, it's that's exactly what we're about is making an impact and helping when we can,” said Nicholas Poulin, CEO & founder of Raise the Standard.
Poulin said it has been heart warming to see the entire state rally behind the Pelletier family.
“To see all these people just show unconditional love for a man that they might have never met before. But they know that he's uh, you know, he's protects us, and there's a lot of sometimes a stigma out there for troopers and police officers, and this was a way of showing how much people love them and appreciate them,” said Poulin.
Pelletier’s public funeral will be Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. at the Xfinity Theater in Hartford.
Jake Garcia is a multimedia journalist for FOX61 News. He can be reached at jgarcia@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
RELATED: Hundreds gather in Southington for moment of silence in honor of fallen Trooper Aaron Pelletier
---
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com.
---
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.