Prayer service for injured police officer

Tolland, Conn. (WTNH) - A prayer service was held Friday morning for an East Hartford police officer critically injured in a crash.

Hundreds of people came out to St. Matthews on the Tolland green to offer their support to the family of Officer Todd Lentocha. According to the church's paster, it was an amazing turnout to hear a message of comfort.

"I just try to tell them to know that God is with them and he is here and they can turn to him for strength," said Father Jim Carini. "And one another too. Because the encouragement of each other is so important too.I think that's what was happening here this morning."

And clearly visible in the crowd, a sea of blue uniforms, and not just from East Hartford.

"It's amazing that there's officers from all over the state and the region," said Lt. Curt Stoldt. "The State Police who are here in support and over at the hospital and at the church service here to day. Sadly, it's one of those things that will often bring police officers together."

Friends and family got some encouragement Thursday with some promising results from the latest CAT scan.

Lentocha has been in critical condition with a head injury ever since his cruiser was rear-ended by a pickup truck while the officer was parked on the side of Route 2 Wednesday morning.

Lentocha had only been on the force for 5 years. He was living his dream in a second career as a police officer.

"Good people get into accidents. Good people die suddenly. It's not God punishing us for anything, it's just that when these things happen, God is there with us," said Father Carini.

The pick-up truck driver was not injured and is cooperating with investigators.