Who is Michael Pahila Jr.? Pennsylvania trooper killed by vehicle while on duty, ‘one of our finest’

pennsylvania state police force Died in Scope of responsibilities He was struck by a commercial vehicle on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County on the morning of Wednesday, July 1. government. Josh Shapiro Michael Pahira Jr. spent 20 years with the state police serving the community with “extraordinary dedication,” he said at a news conference Wednesday afternoon, wfmz.com reported.

Shapiro described Pahila, a native of Schuylkill County, as a devoted brother, uncle and son.

“He was a good man and a good police officer,” Shapiro said, adding flags would be flown at half-staff in his honor.

Pennsylvania State Police Release Said Pahila joined the PSP in January 2007 and was assigned to Troop L in Frackville as a motor transport inspector.

“Officer Pahira was conducting a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) inspection along I-81 southbound near Mile Marker 119.3. Officer Pahira was outside of his vehicle, standing near the cab of the CMV, actively participating in the inspection. The CMV was stationary on the right shoulder of the highway. The patrol marked by Officer Pahira had emergency lighting activated and was located directly behind the CMV,” the release states.

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“A second CMV was also traveling southbound on I-81 and approached the location. The second CMV left the roadway and struck the patrol’s side view mirror. It then struck the rear of the CMV that was being inspected, pushing it further off the roadway. The second CMV then struck Trooper Pahira. Both CMVs burst into flames upon impact. Trooper Pahira was seriously injured and was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased,” continued.

The release added, “Operator 1 was injured and is receiving medical treatment. Operator 3 was not injured. The investigation remains ongoing.”

Pahila is the 106th Pennsylvania police officer to die in the line of duty.

senator John Fetterman wrote“Another terrible reminder that keeping Pennsylvania safe is a dangerous job. My family grieves for this brave soldier and his family during this terrible loss.”

senator Doug Mastriano wrote“Rebbe and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael Pahira Jr., who was tragically killed in the line of duty this morning while conducting a commercial motor vehicle check on Interstate 81. Officer Pahira made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting the people of our Commonwealth. We are infinitely grateful to the brave law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day while working hard to keep our communities safe.”

“We lost one of our finest this morning when Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael Pahira was killed in the line of duty in Schuylkill County.” Shapiro wrote. “I just left Lehigh Valley Hospital in Schuylkill, where I spent time with Mike’s parents, Patty and Mike, his sister Jean, and some of his friends and fellow soldiers. They told me about Mike – what a great person he was, his high school wrestling record, his love of cooking, and his commitment to caring for his mother as she battled cancer.”

He added: “Officer Pahila is the best among us – Lori and I are praying for the @PAStatePolice family and our local law enforcement partners after losing another family member.”

Representative Dan Mercer says“time.”

“AZDPS extends its deepest condolences to our colleagues in the Pennsylvania State Police following the tragic death of Officer Michael Pahira Jr. today in the line of duty. Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Pahira’s family and the PSP community.” Department of Public Safety.