Thousands Pay Tribute to Fallen Trooper

Family, friends and thousands of police officers from across the country gathered in East Hartford at the funeral mass for Connecticut State Trooper First Class Kevin M. Miller, who died in the line of duty last week.

Hours before the mass began, officers gathered at Rentschler Field to show their respect and stood at attention, even as the snow began to fall.

On Thursday, state police held a somber procession as they escorted their fallen brother to the headquarters of the troop where he served, then to Rentschler Field in East Hartford, where representatives from the nation's state police agencies came to pay their respects.

Trooper Miller was killed in a crash on Interstate 84 in Tolland while he was on-duty last week when his cruiser and a tractor-trailer truck collided.

Men and women in uniform led the procession from the Introvigne Funeral Home in Stafford Springs Thursday to Troop C, where Miller served, then to Rentschler Field.

"It’s never a good thing when you have to come to a service like this but I think at the end of the day the family appreciates seeing the different shades of uniforms and vehicles that show up from all over the country," said Trooper First Class Robert Tate of the Illinois State Police.

Troopers came from all over to honor Miller. They said though they represent different states, they are one family.

"We are all brothers and sisters on this job we all watch over for one another," said Trooper George Katsarakes of the Massachusetts State Police.

"It's tragic we both had about the same amount of time on the job and I can relate to that," said Sgt. Steven Callinan of the New Hampshire State Police.

Calling hours were held Thursday at Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, which is located at 615 Silver Lane in East Hartford.

The funeral mass is underway at Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field.

TFC Miller was a 19 ½ year veteran of the Connecticut State Police. A fund has been set up to help his family.

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