SCHUYKILL COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — Numerous law enforcement and emergency responders led fallen Trooper Michael Pahira in a dignified transfer just hours after he was fatally struck on I-81.
READ MORE | Pennsylvania State Police Trooper killed during traffic stop on I-81
Video taken by Fire Alerts of Schuylkill County shows the procession making its way down the highway around 2 p.m.:
Pahira, who had been a trooper with the department for over 20 years, was standing along the shoulder of I-81 inspecting a tractor-trailer before he was hit and killed by another tractor-trailer that was traveling with “a high rate of speed and a lot of force,” state police said.
“The man died a hero,” Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said. “He was an outstanding trooper.”
Many leaders across the Commonwealth have also mourned the fallen trooper, including Rep. Tim Twardzik, who serves the Schuylkill County area.
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.
Gov. Josh Shapiro has since ordered Pennsylvania flags to fly at half-staff to honor Pahira.
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Pahira had previously received the State Police Commendation Medal in June 2016, according to a story from Skook News.