by Karla Ciaglo CTNewsJunkie
SOUTHINGTON, CT — The Jude Lane overpass on Interstate 84 has officially been dedicated to Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, the Connecticut state police officer killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop in May 2024.
Pelletier’s widow, Dominique, and their two young sons joined state and local officials Friday to unveil signs renaming the structure the Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier Memorial Bridge. The bridge is located near the site where Pelletier was struck and killed while conducting a seat belt enforcement stop.
Gov. Ned Lamont ordered flags lowered following Pelletier’s death last year and called the dedication a lasting recognition of his service.
“Trooper Pelletier gave his life protecting others, and this memorial ensures his sacrifice is not forgotten,” Lamont said in a statement.
Connecticut State Police Col. Daniel Loughman described the naming as a meaningful tribute to a nine-year veteran remembered by colleagues as dedicated and compassionate.
“Every time motorists pass under this bridge, they will be reminded of Aaron’s courage and his service to this state,” Loughman said.
Pelletier, 34, joined the state police in 2015 after working for the Department of Correction. A Southington native, he became a K-9 officer in 2021 with his partner, Roso. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor and Life Saving Medal at his funeral in Hartford, which drew thousands of mourners.
The driver who struck him, 44-year-old Alex Oyola-Sanchez of Hartford, admitted to using fentanyl, cocaine, and other substances before the crash. He fled the scene but was apprehended after witnesses followed his vehicle. In April, he pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Pelletier’s death intensified calls to strengthen Connecticut’s Move Over law, which requires drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching emergency responders or road crews. This year, lawmakers increased fines for violations that result in injury to as much as $20,000 and mandated roadside safety training for new drivers and violators.
The dedication ceremony was attended by Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, Public Safety Commissioner Ronnell Higgins, and Rep. Chris Poulos, D-Southington, who introduced the legislation to name the bridge. Community members have also honored Pelletier’s legacy this past May. Fundraisers raised tens of thousands of dollars for his family, and a vigil was held at the overpass on the anniversary of his death, during which a police motorcade passed beneath the bridge as mourners stood above with candles.