Crime & Safety
CT Trooper Of Polish Descent Meets Lech Walesa On Flat Tire Call
Yes ... a state trooper met the former Polish president while responding to a flat tire assistance call on I-84 in Tolland.
TOLLAND, CT — A Connecticut state trooper of Polish descent helped none other than former Polish President Lech Walesa with a flat tire on Interstate 84 in Tolland Wednesday.
No, state police were not making it up.
"You never know who you will meet as a state trooper," state police said.
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On Wednesday afternoon, troopers were called to assist a car that had a flat tire on the highway. When they arrived, troopers were greeted by Walesa. Among the responders was Trooper Lukasz Lipert.
Walesa was visiting the state, promoting the cause of Ukrainian refugees who have fled to Poland and met with the World Affairs Council of Connecticut and the Office of Gov. Ned Lamont.
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Lipert, a native of Poland, said he was "beyond grateful for the opportunity to help such an influential individual," and briefly spoke to Walesa about the history of Poland.
Walesa, 78, was president of Poland from 1990 through 1995. He was the first president to be elected by a popular vote in Poland.
He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983.
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