Police procession in Southington honors Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier 1 year after his death
SOUTHINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) — It was one year ago in 2024 when Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier was fatally struck by a car while on duty.
On Friday, a police procession brought flashbacks to that night.
Vigil to be held in Southington in memory of Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier
'He had an infectious smile, and he was a friend to everybody who knew him, but more so than that he cared about doing his job and he cared about keeping the public safe,' Sgt. Luke Davis with Connecticut State Police said.
Hundreds of people, from law enforcement to family to friends and complete strangers processed up Jude Lane and stood on the bridge overlooking the highway where Pelletier gave his life in the line of duty.
'We are so proud to stand alongside the Pelletier family, and we are so grateful for the support that we have seen, the outpouring we have received,' Cpt. Kate Coney with state police said.
At the vigil, widow Dominique Pelletier released photos of their two boys and their retired police K9, showing how their life has changed in one year. She also released a statement that said in part:
'The support we have received has not waivered and the love shown to us is still at the forefront of our lives. Not a day goes by that I don't receive a call, text or message from someone checking in to see how we are doing, and for that I am truly grateful.'
Pelletier was doing safety checks on the day of the crash that took his life.
'It's just that one extra stop at the end of his day, a very simple reminder put your seatbelt on, there's a law for a reason, and the law exists for your safety and in course of doing so he lost his life,' Davis said.
Watch the full video in the player above.
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