FRACKVILLE, SCHUYLKILL CO., (WOLF) — Tributes from across Pennsylvania and beyond continue to pour in following the line-of-duty death of Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Michael E. Pahira, who was killed Wednesday while conducting a commercial vehicle inspection along Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County.
Pahira, a 20-year veteran assigned to Troop L in Frackville, was struck by a passing tractor-trailer while inspecting a commercial vehicle on the shoulder of Interstate 81 south in Cass Township. Authorities said he later died from his injuries.
Law enforcement agencies, elected officials and community leaders have remembered Pahira as a dedicated public servant whose career reflected an unwavering commitment to protecting others.
Acting Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Lt. Col. George Bivens called Pahira “an outstanding trooper” and one of the department’s finest.
“The man died a hero,” Bivens said. “He was an outstanding trooper.”
Gov. Josh Shapiro said Pahira embodied the very best of the Pennsylvania State Police.
“Trooper Pahira was the very best of us,” Shapiro said. “Lori and I are praying for the PA State Police family and our local law enforcement partners after losing another one of their own.”
The Scranton Police Department extended its condolences to Pahira’s family and fellow troopers.
“Today, we mourn the loss of a dedicated public servant who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the citizens of the Commonwealth,” the department said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Pahira’s loved ones and the entire Pennsylvania State Police family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher said the loss resonates deeply throughout the law enforcement community.
“There are no words that can ease the pain of losing one of your own,” Gallagher said. “Trooper Pahira answered that call to serve and made the ultimate sacrifice protecting others.”
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday also offered condolences, saying his thoughts were with Pahira’s family, friends and colleagues after the veteran trooper was killed while performing a traffic inspection.
State Sen. Dave Argall and state Reps. Jamie Walsh? Wait remove. State Sen. Dave Argall expressed sympathy to Pahira’s loved ones and fellow officers, saying, “May his memory be a blessing.”
State Rep. Robert Leadbeter said the tragedy serves as a reminder of the dangers officers face every day.
“My heart aches for the family, friends and colleagues of Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Michael Pahira,” Leadbeter said. “May we always remember Trooper Pahira’s dedicated service.”
State Rep. Dane Watro echoed those sentiments, calling Pahira’s death “heartbreaking” and urging Pennsylvanians to keep the trooper’s family and fellow officers in their thoughts and prayers.
The Pennsylvania State Police said Pahira dedicated more than two decades of service to the citizens of the Commonwealth.
“His commitment to public safety and his willingness to place himself in harm’s way for others exemplified the highest ideals of law enforcement,” the agency said in a statement. “Agencies across Pennsylvania and the nation are in mourning this tremendous loss. The risks faced by law enforcement officers each day are often unseen, but tragedies such as this serve as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made in service to others.”
“Rest in peace, Trooper Michael E. Pahira. Your service, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Flags across Pennsylvania have been ordered to half-staff in Pahira’s honor as the Commonwealth mourns the loss of the veteran trooper.