CT Trooper Killed In The Line Of Duty Honored With Service Medal

TOLLAND, CT — A state trooper killed in the line of duty in March has been decorated for his efforts at subduing — and arguably saving — a despondent man with another trooper last year.

Trooper First Class Kevin Miller, who was killed in a highway crash in March while on duty, was honored with the Meritorious Service Medal with Trooper First Class Michael Zella. The awards were announced on Tuesday.

In was 9:18 p.m. on Aug. 15, 2017, when dispatchers at the state police Troop C barracks received a call from an Ashford residence about an intoxicated and despondent male. The man was armed with a knife and was threatening to harm himself or anyone who attempted to stop him, state police said.

The man was inside his apartment with his girlfriend, who had locked herself in a bathroom for
safety, state police said.

Miller and Zella knocked on the door and the man answered brandishing a large kitchen knife, state police said. He began coming toward the troopers and Miller deployed his Taser, which incapacitated the man long enough for Zella to disarm and secure the man, state police said. It was later determined that the male’s intention was "suicide by cop," state police said.

"The Troopers rapidly brought a potential deadly force situation to an end, allowing the man to receive
the medical help needed," state police said in announcing the awards.

The Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to, "those who render service with a high degree of alertness,
perseverance and superior judgment in the performance of a difficult task resulting in the protection of
life, recovery of property, the prevention of – or solving of – a major crime or the apprehension of an
armed or dangerous person."

The medal marks the second honor for Miller this month. The historic sign at Troop C is operational again, thanks to a Tolland group that fixed it and paved the way to have it dedicated to him. Back in In May of this year, members of the Tolland Cares Community Group asked if they could refurbish the Troop C neon sign in memory of Trooper First Class Kevin Miller.

Members of Tolland Cares organized the efforts for new electrical work and a new base — all with donated time and funds, state police said. It was dedicated by Tolland Cares and the Miller family along with state police officials last week.

It marks the first time in more than 20 years the sign has been illuminated.

Troop C dates back to 1927 and it was originally located in Stafford. Shortly after World War II, Connecticut acquired several illuminated neon signs to mark some state police barracks. Over the years, many signs have been damaged, misplaced or, in some instances, discarded, officials said. There are only four barracks out of the 11 in the state that still have these neon signs — Troop D in Danielson, Troop B in North Canaan, Troop G in Bridgeport and Troop C in Tolland.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel/CSP

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