{"id":238944,"date":"2026-07-09T01:54:23","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T01:54:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/238944\/"},"modified":"2026-07-09T01:54:23","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T01:54:23","slug":"schuylkill-county-says-final-goodbye-to-pennsylvania-state-police-trooper-michael-e-pahira-jr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/238944\/","title":{"rendered":"Schuylkill County Says Final Goodbye to Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Michael E. Pahira Jr."},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/a><\/p>\n

A sea of gray uniforms, flashing lights, American flags, and salutes filled Schuylkill County on Wednesday as family, friends, law enforcement, first responders, and community members gathered to say a final goodbye to Pennsylvania State Police Trooper First Class Michael E. Pahira Jr.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Pahira, 44, of Ashland, formerly of Frackville, died in the line of duty on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, while serving with the Pennsylvania State Police.<\/p>\n

The day began around 7:00 a.m. when the first procession departed the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home in Frackville and traveled to North Schuylkill Jr.\/Sr. High School, where visitation and funeral services were held.<\/p>\n

Leading the procession were an estimated 82 motorcycle police units, followed by family and law enforcement vehicles as Trooper Pahira returned to the same school where he once walked the halls as a student and made his name as a standout athlete.<\/p>\n

Outside the school, fire departments paid tribute with aerial archways. The Frackville Fire Department and Shenandoah Fire Department displayed an archway at North Schuylkill, while another was set up along Route 61 near the school by Frackville and Schuylkill Haven firefighters. Later in Ashland, the Ashland Fire Department and Mt. Carmel Fire Department honored Pahira with additional archways.<\/p>\n

Hundreds attended the public visitation, including members of the Pennsylvania State Police, police officers from across Pennsylvania and other states, firefighters, EMS personnel, elected officials, family, friends, and members of the community.<\/p>\n

The service that followed remembered not only Trooper Pahira\u2019s nearly two decades in uniform, but also \u201cMikey\u201d, the son, brother, uncle, friend, wrestler, and protector remembered by those closest to him.<\/p>\n

Funeral Director Tim Sullivan opened the service on behalf of the Pahira family, thanking the community and law enforcement for the overwhelming support.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe gather to celebrate the life, honor the service, and remember the extraordinary sacrifice of Trooper Michael E. Pahira Jr.,\u201d Sullivan said.<\/p>\n

Governor Shapiro: \u201cA Damn Good Cop\u201d<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro spoke about Pahira\u2019s dedication to public service, describing him as a \u201cdamn good cop\u201d while also sharing stories about the person behind the badge.<\/p>\n

Shapiro reflected on Pahira\u2019s days as a North Schuylkill wrestler, including his District 11 championship and a PIAA record-setting seven-second pin that still stands. The Governor announced that, at his request, the PIAA issued a proclamation recognizing Pahira\u2019s accomplishment, which was presented to his parents.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis 7-second pin is still a record to this day. His friends told me they’d think it was faster, but the ref was too darn slow to get over and begin the counting,\u201d Shapiro joked.<\/p>\n

The Governor also spoke about Pahira\u2019s devotion to his family, especially his mother, whom he had recently moved home to help care for during her battle with cancer.<\/p>\n

\u201cDespite being a big tough guy and a wrestling champ, he had a soft spot in his heart for his nieces Belle and Brin and especially for his mom,\u201d Shapiro said.<\/p>\n

He shared how Pahira, who loved cooking, prepared meals for his family, including steak for his mother to help with her iron levels during treatments.<\/p>\n

Shapiro said Trooper Pahira represented the best of law enforcement.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo those like Mike and the loved ones who make the ultimate sacrifice, we owe a debt that we can never repay, but we all must always strive to meet,\u201d Shapiro said.<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Police Honor One of Their Own<\/p>\n

Colonel George Bivens, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, reflected on Pahira\u2019s career, which began when he joined the 124th cadet class on January 22, 2007.<\/p>\n

\u201cNearly 20 years in uniform, never seeking recognition, simply showing up every day and doing the work the right way,\u201d Bivens said.<\/p>\n

He described Pahira as one of the Commonwealth\u2019s quiet public servants.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Pennsylvania State Police lost a respected trooper, and the Commonwealth lost one of its quiet public servants,\u201d Bivens said.<\/p>\n

Bivens also recalled Pahira\u2019s heroism during a January 28, 2016 fire in Pottsville. Pahira and others responded to a multi-story apartment fire where they entered heavy smoke and helped form a human chain during the rescue effort.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe actions of Trooper Pahira and others undoubtedly saved lives that day,\u201d Bivens said, noting 11 people were evacuated from four buildings.<\/p>\n

Speaking about the events following the July 1st crash on Interstate 81, Bivens praised the actions of bystanders who helped pull Pahira from beneath a burning truck, along with the efforts of troopers and emergency responders who tried to save him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI watched our brotherhood in action,\u201d Bivens said. \u201cThey stood watch, comforted one another, and ensured Michael was never to be alone from the moment of his passing until the time of his interment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bivens closed by sharing words from the Pahira family about \u201cMikey,\u201d the man who moved back home and jokingly called his parents his \u201croomies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of Mikey’s friends said it best. The only thing bigger than Mikey’s cowboy hat was his heart,\u201d Bivens said.<\/p>\n

His final message to Pahira:<\/p>\n

\u201cMichael, your watch is over. You answered every call that was placed before you. You served this Commonwealth with honor, humility, and quiet professionalism.\u201d<\/p>\n

Remembered as a Spartan<\/p>\n

Coach Rick Edwards, who coached Pahira on the wrestling mat at North Schuylkill and spent 34 years teaching in the district, remembered him as an athlete whose discipline carried far beyond competition.<\/p>\n

Edwards spoke about Pahira\u2019s wrestling achievements, including becoming a District 11 junior high champion, winning a district championship in 2001, and competing at the Beast of the East tournament.<\/p>\n

\u201cMikey\u2019s exceptional ability, his strong work ethic, his competitive spirit, and his love for life all became part of those formative years,\u201d Edwards said.<\/p>\n

He also recalled Pahira\u2019s determination after suffering a serious knee injury during his senior season.<\/p>\n

\u201cMikey didn’t win a state championship, but as a wrestler, he proved that you just can’t give up,\u201d Edwards said.<\/p>\n

Edwards described 22 qualities of an outstanding person, including honesty, loyalty, discipline, toughness, and common sense, saying Pahira possessed them all.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know for a fact that Mikey had every single attribute that I just mentioned. It’s a heck of a young man,\u201d Edwards said.<\/p>\n

He also announced that the Pahira family is establishing a wrestling scholarship in Michael\u2019s name to support future Spartan wrestlers.<\/p>\n

\u201cMikey, I love you, bud. And oh, save me a seat next to the wrestling mat when you get there,\u201d Edwards said.<\/p>\n

\u201cLife Is Good, Brother\u201d<\/p>\n

Trooper Chris Graf, a friend of Pahira\u2019s since age 12 and fellow member of the 124th cadet class, shared stories of a lifelong friendship that started inside the same school building where the service was held.<\/p>\n

\u201cMike, you were literally the big brother I never had,\u201d Graf said.<\/p>\n

He recalled their younger years, riding around in Pahira\u2019s loud black truck.<\/p>\n

\u201cI’ll never forget getting picked up in the black truck, which most of our moms hated… you could hear it about a mile away,\u201d Graf said.<\/p>\n

Graf said seeing Pahira during their first day at the State Police Academy helped calm his nerves.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou gave me that signature smirk and just nodded,\u201d Graf recalled. \u201cYou said, \u2018I told you we\u2019d make it, kid.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

He remembered Pahira as someone who enjoyed the simple things, including cigars, spending time with friends, and appreciating life.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d ask \u2018How\u2019s the job?\u2019 He\u2019d simply reply, \u2018Life is good, brother,\u2019\u201d Graf said.<\/p>\n

Graf promised Pahira that his State Police family would continue looking after those he loved.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrother, not only do we have the watch, but we have the family and the friends as well. Everyone will be watched and taken care of.\u201d<\/p>\n

A Son Who Came Home<\/p>\n

Bill McCale, Pahira\u2019s uncle, godfather, and a retired Pennsylvania State Police Major, spoke about watching Michael grow into a man defined by both strength and compassion.<\/p>\n

McCale recalled the pride of handing Pahira his badge when he graduated from the State Police Academy and later riding along with him on patrol.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis physical stature demanded attention,\u201d McCale said. \u201cThe way he conducted himself demanded respect, and there’s a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

He described Pahira as someone with incredible physical strength, joking he could move items that should have required a forklift.<\/p>\n

But McCale said his greatest strength was his heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was a big guy, and that’s certainly true, but he was a better man. And the biggest thing about him was his heart,\u201d McCale said.<\/p>\n

He spoke about Michael\u2019s decision to move back home and help his parents.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I told him how impressed I was by that gesture, he simply stated, \u2018My parents needed me.\u2019 That’s Mike,\u201d McCale said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a saying that a man is judged by how he treats his mother. If that is true, Mikey will be judged very well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Faith and Final Blessing<\/p>\n

Monsignor William Glosser focused his reflection on respect, service, and sacrifice.<\/p>\n

He shared that an Assistant District Attorney who worked with Pahira described him as someone who represented what a state trooper should be, helpful, patient, fair, and respectful.<\/p>\n

\u201cMichael died trying to make sure that other people respect each other,\u201d Glosser said.<\/p>\n

He also reflected on St. Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of police officers and soldiers, before leading those gathered in prayer.<\/p>\n

A Final Ride Home<\/p>\n

Around 1:15 p.m., the second procession departed for Ashland, where Trooper Pahira was laid to rest.<\/p>\n

Once again, motorcycle units led the way, followed by dozens of vehicles carrying family, friends, Pennsylvania State Police members, and fellow first responders.<\/p>\n

As the procession moved up Centre Street toward the top of Ashland, first responders from across Pennsylvania stood at attention and saluted. Fire departments, police departments, sheriff\u2019s departments, tow companies, and guards from FCI Schuylkill lined the route to honor Pahira one final time.<\/p>\n

The cemetery service was private, but the final honors could be heard from nearby, including bagpipes, bands, and a flyover from the Pennsylvania State Police helicopter \u201cTrooper 1.\u201d<\/p>\n

From Frackville, to North Schuylkill, to Ashland, Schuylkill County stood together Wednesday to remember a trooper who dedicated his life to protecting others, and a man whose family, friends, and fellow troopers said will always be remembered for a heart even bigger than his presence.<\/p>\n

\n

\n

<\/a>
<\/a>
<\/a>
<\/a>
<\/a>
<\/a>
<\/a>
<\/a>
<\/a>
<\/a>
<\/a>
<\/a><\/a>
<\/a>
<\/a>
<\/a>
<\/a>
<\/a>
<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A sea of gray uniforms, flashing lights, American flags, and salutes filled Schuylkill County on Wednesday as family,…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":238945,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[28,30,29],"class_list":["post-238944","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-pennsylvania","tag-pennsylvania","tag-pennsylvania-headlines","tag-pennsylvania-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/238944","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=238944"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/238944\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/238945"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=238944"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=238944"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=238944"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}