Trooper remembered as role model

Enfield, Conn. (WTNH) - A Connecticut state trooper killed in the line of duty is being remembered today as a role model and a well-respected member of law enforcement. We're also learning more about the accident that claimed his life as well as the man who was behind the wheel of the truck that struck him.

Trooper Kenneth Hall, 57, was killed Thursday afternoon on I-91 in Enfield while issuing a motor vehicle citation.

State police say Hall had pulled over a pickup truck and was in his cruiser in the right shoulder when a third vehicle, traveling at a high rate of speed in the left lane, moved across all lanes of traffic into the shoulder and struck the police cruiser before rolling over in the left lane.

The driver in the pickup truck was not hurt. The occupants in the other vehicle, 32-year old Michael Pajak of Enfield, and passenger, 33-year old Jenny Benvenuto of Windsor, were seriously injured.

Pajak was cited in May for distracted driving and failing to drive in a proper lane. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

Hall, a 22-year veteran of the Connecticut State Police, is also a Marine Corps veteran.

"TFC Hall was well-respected in law enforcement and served as a role model for all State Troopers. He was highly trained and proficient in Commercial and Truck Enforcement on Connecticut highways," a statement from state police reads.

Gov. Jodi Rell has ordered flags to be lowered to half staff until Trooper Hall's interment.

“My deepest condolences – along with those of every citizen of Connecticut – go out to the family of Trooper Hall and to all the members of the Connecticut State Police, who consider themselves to be one family,” Governor Rell said. “This is a tragic loss for our state – and it is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers our state police officers face each day. I ask the people of Connecticut to keep Trooper Hall and his family in their prayers.”

A memorial Facebook page has been established for Hall.

The accident is still under investigation. No charges have been filed. A law that became effective October 1, 2009 says that motorists are required to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles.

Hall's body was escorted by state police from Bay State Medical Center in Massachusetts to a funeral home in Windsor on Friday afternoon.