TOLLAND, Conn. (WTNH) – A Connecticut State Police Trooper was able to help the former president of Poland who had a flat tire on I-84 in Tolland on Wednesday.

State police posted on Facebook that troopers were called to I-84 for the report of a car with a flat tire. When troopers arrived on the scene, they were greeted by former Poland president Lech Walesa.

Walesa was visiting Connecticut to champion the cause of Ukrainian refugees who have fled to Poland. He visited the New England Air Museum and Central Connecticut State University.

Former Polish president speaks at New England Air Museum

State police said Trooper Lukasz Lipert, who is a native of Poland, “was grateful for the opportunity to help such an influential individual, and briefly speak to him about the history of Poland.”

“They were actually pleasantly surprised that a Polish trooper responded to the scene. Not only a Polish trooper, but a Polish trooper actually from the country, speaks the language, understands the history, and still has family there,” said Trooper Lipert. “I just put him at ease, made them really comfortable, made sure that they were taken care of, and that they were going to be on their way soon.”

Walesa served as president of Poland between 1990 and 1995.