Thousands pay their respects to State Police Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier in Southington – NBC Connecticut

Thousands of people paid their respects and expressed their condolences to the family of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed in the line of duty last week.

“My heart breaks for them. I mean, they have two young children. I can’t imagine losing their husband or their father. It’s just heartbreaking,” said Michelle Brino of Southington.

Pelletier graduated from Southington High School, raised his own family here, and sadly passed away here.

The 34-year-old was killed in a hit-and-run accident during a routine traffic stop on I-84 in Southington on Thursday.

Police officers from across New England came to the wake in Southington on Tuesday.

“It’s tough for a small, close-knit police department like Connecticut. I think the support makes all the difference,” said Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody.

Pelletier served nine years with the Connecticut State Police.

As part of an assignment, he spent some time with the Hartford Police Department.

“He fitted in quickly with the family. He did a great job. Police work was his heart and soul. He did such a great job there,” Thody said.

In Pelletier’s obituary, his family remembered his devotion to his wife and two sons, his love of the outdoors and his enjoyment of sports, including serving as a T-ball coach for one of his sons.

The family received support from the authorities and the community, some of whom stopped by the funeral home.

“Yeah, I think it was important for the kids to see all of this, you know, to see the city come together, all the police officers come out to show their respect,” Brino said.

A company offered free childcare for the wake and schools remained closed.

Because of the funeral on Wednesday, schools will also close early.