State Will 'Never Forget' Fallen Southington State Police Trooper: UPDATE

SOUTHINGTON, CT — State Leaders gathered at a highway overpass in Southington on Friday to honor the late Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, with a bridge named in his honor.

The Jude Lane overpass on Interstate 84 in Southington was renamed “Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier Bridge” in honor of the Southington resident/native who was killed in the line of duty on May 30, 2024.

Pelletier, 34, died after a motorist struck him while he was conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 84 in Southington, where he was born, raised, and resided.

He lost his life conducting a seat belt enforcement check, part of an ongoing safety initiative. The driver of the pickup truck that hit him fled the scene and was later caught.

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz joined state Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Ronnell Higgins, and State Police Colonel Daniel Loughman for the renaming ceremony Friday afternoon.

Also attending was State Rep. Chris Poulos, D-Southington, who introduced the legislation to name the bridge for Pelletier.

“Naming the Jude Lane Overpass in honor of Connecticut State Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier is a lasting symbol of our promise to never forget his service and sacrifice to the state of Connecticut. At CTDOT, we carry Trooper Pelletier’s memory with us as we keep safety at the center of everything we do,” said Eucalitto. “We stand shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners to do everything in our power to prevent tragedies like this from ever happening again.”

Several years ago, Loughman served as Commanding Officer at Troop H in Hartford while TFC Pelletier was assigned to the there.

He noted the dedication and commitment demonstrated by Pelletier during his nine years as a State Trooper.

“Since May 30, 2024, the Southington community and the entire state of Connecticut have come together not only to mourn the loss of Aaron, but also to celebrate a life given in service. While keeping our roads safe for all, he made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Loughman. “The best action we can take is to remember Aaron. Naming this bridge for him is a small but significant gesture to honor Aaron.”

Pelletier left behind a wife, Dominique Pelletier, and two young sons, Troy and Zach, along with several friends and family members.

The man who killed Pelletier, Alex Oyola-Sanchez, 44, of Hartford, was sentenced in New Britain Superior Court on April 29 to 18 years in prison.

Facing multiple charges in connection with the crash, Oyola-Sanchez pleaded guilty to a single charge of first-degree manslaughter.

From April 29: 'Hartford Man Who Killed Trooper In Southington Sentenced: Reports'

From June 5, 2024: 'Fallen Trooper Laid To Rest Amid Outpouring Of Emotion'

From May 30, 2024: 'Fallen Trooper 'A Dedicated And Compassionate Professional:' UPDATE'