FALLEN TROOPER: Southington PD Thanks Community For Patience

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The morning after one of the saddest days in town history, local police Thursday issued a heartfelt message to Southington residents about the day a beloved native son took a final tour of his beloved hometown.

Wednesday, Southington native/resident Aaron Pelletier, a Connecticut State Trooper, was laid to rest following solemn funeral services at the Xfinity Theater in Hartford.

Pelletier was killed in the line of duty on May 30 when he was struck and killed on Interstate 84 in Southington while conducting a routine traffic stop.

Wednesday, the Southington Police Department played a major role regarding the day's poignant ceremonies, with Pelletier's casket being taken from the Della Vecchia Funeral Home in Southington to the Hartford theater and, then, to a local cemetery.

Southington police were charged with clearing the way for a massive law enforcement procession that allowed Pelletier to have one final journey through a community he called home.

Doing so required several temporary road closures, which impacted motorists traveling through town Wednesday morning.

Southington police, though, said the community behaved themselves and conducted themselves with patience and respect as traveling Wednesday morning was difficult.

"The respect and understanding shown by the public, especially during the memorial services and related activities, have been truly heartening," wrote Southington police in a message to the community Thursday morning.

"We understand that the increased security measures and road closures have caused some inconvenience. Your willingness to accommodate these necessary precautions has allowed us to honor Trooper Pelletier in a manner befitting his service and sacrifice."

While Pelletier wasn't an officer in the Southington Police Department, the loss of any officer, especially one as involved in the Southington community as Pelletier, hit home for local police.

"In the wake of the tragic loss of CT State Trooper Aaron Pelletier, we have witnessed an overwhelming outpouring of support and solidarity from the community," wrote the SPD.

"During this difficult time, your patience and cooperation have been deeply appreciated by the Southington Police Department."

Police posted on social media images of the procession as it worked its way through Southington, images that showed the level of support the community had for Pelletier.

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

To donate to the state police's GoFundMe page for the Pelletier family, click on this link.

From May 31: 'Suspect Charged In Death Of Trooper In Southington: CSP'

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