One-Mile Run In Meriden To Honor Fallen Southington Trooper

MERIDEN/SOUTHINGTON, CT — A special one-mile run will take place Friday at the Connecticut State Police Training Academy to honor fallen Trooper Aaron Pelletier of Southington.

"Running 4 Heroes" is a national nonprofit that raises money and awareness for the families of fallen law enforcers and first responders.

Friday's event will take place at the academy, which is located at 285 Preston Ave., Meriden, at noon.

"Running 4 Heroes" features volunteer runners who travel the country and honor fallen heroes who died in the line of duty.

Pelletier, 34, died May 30 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.

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

The youth runner participating in the "Running 4 Heroes" event is anticipated to arrive at the training academy at noon, escorted by the CSP Traffic Services Unit.

The youth runner will be escorted to the police memorial to film a brief introduction video and then begin a one-mile run around the track next to the memorial.

After the run, the flag a runner flies while running is presented to Pelletier’s family (if in attendance) or to Troop H in Hartford personnel (If they are unable to attend.)

Anyone who wants to run is welcome to join.

A section of the training academy parking lot will be reserved for the motorcade, as well as for people in attendance to line up with their cruisers as the motorcade arrives.

Wednesday, Pelletier's name was officially inscribed at the Connecticut Law Enforcement Memorial at the academy.

For the Connecticut State Police news page, click on this link.

For more information on 'Running 4 Heroes,' click on this link.

From July 17: 'Fallen Trooper's Name Immortalized At State Police Memorial'