Emergency responders and state officials mourn police officer killed on I-84 in Southington – NBC Connecticut

First responders in Connecticut and the state, as well as elected officials, are expressing condolences after a police officer was killed on Interstate 84 in Southington on Thursday.

Governor Ned Lamont has ordered all U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier.

According to state police, Trooper Pelletier was conducting a traffic stop on I-84 East near Exit 31 shortly after 2:30 p.m. when he was struck and killed by a vehicle. The driver who struck Trooper Pelletier reportedly fled the scene of the accident and was arrested shortly afterward.

“TFC Pelletier served the citizens of the State of Connecticut with unwavering dedication, pride and professionalism and his sacrifice will never be forgotten,” the Connecticut State Police said of Trooper Pelletier.

Below are statements from state and elected officials regarding the death of Trooper Pelletier:

Governor Ned Lamont: “I am devastated to learn of the death of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed today in the line of duty serving the people of Connecticut. This is a tragic reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day when they leave their homes and go to work. Trooper Pelletier served Connecticut with honor, integrity and dedication 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 his brothers and sisters in the Connecticut State Police. I ask the people of Connecticut to keep Trooper Pelletier in their prayers.”

Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Trooper First Class Pelletier. Members of the Connecticut State Police are known for their unwavering devotion to one another and for maintaining incredibly high standards of policing – but most of all, for their unwavering commitment to protecting and serving others and our state. State Troopers are on our roads every day to protect the public – it is tragic to know that this Trooper was killed during a routine traffic stop. I would urge residents to remain alert and cautious at all times when driving, but especially when State Police are on the roads doing their job. My prayers are with Trooper Pelletier’s family and colleagues.”

Senator Richard Blumenthal: “Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier bravely answered his call of duty this afternoon and made the ultimate sacrifice. His death is a tragic reminder of the dangers all first responders face in their work and a stark reminder to motorists that they must slow down and yield to stopped emergency vehicles. Failure to slow and yield are common causes of death on our roadways and this loss should be a lesson that saves the lives of other brave first responders. My prayers are with the Pelletier family and the entire Connecticut State Police as they mourn this loss.”

Attorney General William Tong: “I am deeply saddened for the family of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier. We must all pray for and support his family and friends, and for every police officer and officer in the state, especially those who worked with Trooper Pelletier and those who are still on our streets now, protecting our communities in the midst of this tragedy. This shows how much risk our police officers and law enforcement officers take every day to keep us safe. For all we know, this didn’t have to happen. We must do everything we can to stop the dangerous and reckless driving that is endangering people, families and our law enforcement officers everywhere on our highways today.”

Office of the first Selectwoman of Seymour: “Our thoughts are with the family and the state police officers.”

First responders across the state also shared their condolences on social media.

Beacon Falls Police Department: “Our deepest condolences go out to our brothers and sisters at CSP and to the family of the soldier who lost his life in the line of duty today.”

Brookfield Volunteer Fire Department: “Chief Ellis, the officers, members and staff of BVFC Fire and EMS extend our most sincere condolences to the family of the Connecticut State Police Trooper killed in the line of duty today on I-84 in Southington. Our thoughts and prayers also go out to his entire Connecticut State Police family as they mourn his loss and live through this senseless tragedy. Please take time today to pray for everyone involved.”

Cantonal Police Directorate: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Connecticut State Police as they mourn the loss of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed in the line of duty this afternoon when he was struck by a motor vehicle during a traffic stop on I-84 in Southington.”

Connecticut State Environmental Protection Agency: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Connecticut State Police.”

Danbury Police Department: “The Danbury Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier and our brothers and sisters at the Connecticut State Police.”

Ledyard Fire Department: “The members of the LFC would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Connecticut State Police and the family of the trooper who was killed in the line of duty this afternoon. Please keep the family and the troopers in your thoughts and prayers.”

Shelton Police Department: “The Shelton Police Department stands in solidarity with the Connecticut State Police and mourns the tragic loss of our beloved Connecticut State Trooper Pelletier, who was killed in the line of duty. May God bless the Connecticut State Police, the officers and their families! We are here with you!”

Southern Fire District Fire Department, IAFF Local 3918 (Middletown): “A devastating loss for the Connecticut State Police this afternoon. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fellow officers of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier #536.”

Stratford Police Station: “The men and women of SPD extend their deepest condolences to the CT State Police and their families.”

Vernon Police Department: “The Vernon Police Department extends our deepest condolences 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 during this difficult time.”