Sen. Cicarella votes ‘yes’ on pension reform spurred by Trooper Pelletier tragic death

January 28, 2025

Senior Deputy Republican Leader Paul Cicarella (R-North Haven) today voted in favor of a legislative change that will grant death benefits to the families of state employees killed in the line of duty, regardless of age or years of service.

 

The legislation is in response to the death of Trooper Aaron Pelletier, who was struck and killed by a pickup truck driven by an unlicensed driver last year while conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 84 East in Southington.

 

The increased family death benefit would also apply to Connecticut Department of Transportation worker Andrew DiDomenico, who was struck and killed by an impaired driver while on duty in Wallingford last year.

 

“This legislation is our way of showing law enforcement, other state workers directly in harm’s way, and their families that their dedication is deeply valued. I was proud to support this bipartisan amendment to our state law.

 

“This change will ensure that Trooper Pelletier’s family receives the fullest extent of benefits they are entitled to. My hope would be that we never have to utilize this law, and our state law enforcment and employees safely return home to their families each day. Nonetheless, we must ensure that families of troopers and state workers who lose their lives in the line of duty are fully supported as they deserve,” said Senator Cicarella.