NH Brigadier General John Pogorek Killed In Hit And Run Accident

ROCHESTER, NH — Rochester police are investigating a hit-and-run accident Monday that killed the commander of the New Hampshire National Guard.

Police, Fire, and Frisbie EMS responded to 10 Crown Point Road after receiving a report of a pedestrian accident. Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2014 Toyota Tundra pulling a trailer, driven by John Pogorek, 57, from Strafford, was stopped on the side of the roadway and outside of his vehicle, re-securing a load on his trailer. A red Toyota RAV4, driving west on Crown Point Road, struck the victim while outside of his vehicle. The driver of red Toyota RAV4 was accused of continuing to drive without stopping.

As a result of the collision, Pogorek suffered life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene, according to Rochester police. A juvenile passenger in the Tundra during the crash did not sustain any injuries from the incident.

The victim is the brigadier general, assistant adjutant general commander, New Hampshire Air National Guard.

As a result of the ongoing investigation, police were able to locate a Rav 4, which was later determined to be driven by Paul Clement, 81, of Rochester.

According to the New Hampshire Air National Guard, Pogorek served as the principal advisor to the governor of New Hampshire and the state adjutant general on all matters pertaining to the New Hampshire Air National Guard. Additionally, he was responsible for the command, control, and operations of plans and programs for more than 1,300 officers and airmen on Pease Air National Guard Base. He was responsible to the adjutant general for the combat and operational readiness of the New Hampshire Air National Guard and the ability of the 157th Air Refueling Wing to perform its federal and state mission.

The NH Governor’s Office released a statement:

The New Hampshire National Guard and the State of New Hampshire suffered the tragic loss of one of its finest airmen and leaders.

“Gen. Pogorek was an exemplary wingman, mentor, and friend to many,” said NH Adjutant Gen. David Mikolaities. “He served his State and Nation with the utmost professionalism and dedication. He will be deeply missed.”

“On behalf of the entire State of New Hampshire, I extend my sincere condolences to the family of Gen. Pogorek,” said Gov. Chris Sununu. “Gen. Pogorek served his state, country, and community with honor. His commitment and contributions to the Granite State will never be forgotten.”

As the assistant adjutant general for the NHANG, Pogorek was responsible for the command, operations, and combat readiness of more than 1,300 officers, airmen, and civilians at Pease Air National Guard Base in Newington. Gen. Pogorek was a pilot, accruing more than 6,675 flying hours over 31 years with the U.S. Air Force and NHANG. He oversaw the fielding and operations of the Air National Guard’s first fleet of KC-46A refuelers.

He is survived by his wife, Whitney Pogorek, and their five children.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time,” Mikolaities said.

The Strafford County Regional Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team responded and assisted with the investigation. Crown Point Road from the intersection of Meadorboro Road and Estes Road to the intersection of Strafford Road was closed during the investigation and reopened several hours later.

At this time, there is no information if there are pending charges against the driver who struck the victim.

All aspects of the crash remain under investigation. Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation is encouraged to contact Rochester Police Department Detective Matthew Flathers at 603-330-7128 or matthew.flathers@rochesternh.gov. Chief Gary M. Boudreau.