SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — Lawmakers and public officials honored Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Michael Pahira after he was killed in a crash along I-81 in Schuylkill County on Wednesday.
Pahira, who served as a trooper for over 20 years, was conducting a vehicle inspection when he was fatally struck by a tractor-trailer that had left the roadway.
READ MORE | Pennsylvania State Police Trooper killed during traffic stop on I-81
Gov. Josh Shapiro described Pahira as “the very best of us” and directed flags to be lowered to half-staff to honor him.
“[His friends and family] told me about Mike — about how great a man he was, about his high school wrestling record, his love of cooking, and his commitment to caring for his mother as she battles cancer,” Shapiro said.
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis reflected on the sacrifice state troopers make, adding, “we will forever be in their debt.”
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman described it as “another terrible reminder that keeping Pennsylvania safe is a dangerous job.”
“This heartbreaking tragedy is a solemn reminder of the risks our law enforcement officers face each day as they work to protect the traveling public,” Rep. Tim Twardzik, who serves Schuylkill County, said.
“Every day, law enforcement officers across the commonwealth step into harm’s way without knowing what the day may bring,” Joseph Regan, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge, said. “This heartbreaking tragedy is a solemn reminder that even routine enforcement activities carry extraordinary risks.”
Attorney General Dave Sunday called on drivers to pay attention in hopes of avoiding more tragedies like this.
“It is critical to be alert while driving and move over when you see police lights,” Sunday said. “That’s not only the law, it’s critical for the safety of officers and drivers.”
State police is investigating the incident and said it’s too early to say what caused the crash or if any charges will be filed against the driver of the tractor-trailer.