Family, friends and thousands of police officers from across the country gathered in East Hartford, some standing out in snowfall, to honor Trooper First Class Kevin Miller.
Miller, who served Connecticut State Police for nearly 20 years, died in the line of duty last week during a crash on Interstate 84 in Tolland.
Trooper David Piela spoke during the funeral about his colleague, a man who loved his family and was devoted to public service and providing for his children, Ryan and Sarah.
"Everything he did everyday was for his children, who he loved dearly," Piela said.
As a law enforcement professional, Miller developed a reputation for being there, not only for his fellow troopers, but also for those with whom in came in contact and dignitaries, including Gov. Dannel Malloy and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, attended the service.
"Kevin, please know that you made a difference in the lives of others and we will continue to carry on that mission with your memory forever in our hearts and minds," Colonel George Battle, the commanding officer, of Connecticut State Police said.
Troopers and police officers gathered at Rentschler Field hours before the funeral started at 11 a.m. in a show of respect and several stood at attention, even as the snow began to fall.
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Dale Hourigan, a retired Connecticut State Police Major, was part of the band that played.
“We're here to send him off appropriately and say farewell to a brother,” Hourigan said. “It's a tough day.”
Police came from all over to pay their respects for a brother.
“We come together at times like this to re-enforce that so they know no matter what the situation, no matter what the weather, we are always here for them,” Captain Michael Jankowiak, of New York State Police, said.
Trooper Kelly Grant said the support from law enforcement from across the country makes Connecticut State Police “feel much better of course to know that our fellow law enforcement from across the state and the country are here to help us pay respects to Trooper First Class Kevin Miller.”
Frank Sutton called in the help of the Providence Canteen and Chris Palmer, of the Providence Fire Department, made the two-hour trip, leaving at 5:30 a.m. to be there for the mourners.
“Providing all the breakfast here for the troopers this morning,” Palmer said.
When the time came to make that final march, troopers steadily made their way in the snow to say their final goodbye.
“Sad day for law-enforcement and for the Connecticut state police and certainly for trooper Miller's family,” Hourigan said.
Trooper Miller was a 19-½-year veteran of the Connecticut State Police. A fund has been set up to help his family.
