HARTFORD, Conn. — Waiting is hard for any three-year-old, especially with a bumblebee buzzing nearby.

“Ignore the bumblebee—let it live, honey,” said Lauren Brooks, keeping her son, Ronan, entertained as they waited for “Papa” to arrive.

Brooks wants her son to grow up understanding the sacrifices of officers.

She was remembering Connecticut State Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, killed by an impaired driver in May 2024.

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, 162 Connecticut state troopers have died in the line of duty. Pelletier is one of many being honored today.

“Just a great guy, great family man,” Brooks said.

Ronan anxiously asked, “Where’s Papa?”

Moments later, his “Papa,” Officer Thomas Meleady, arrived. Meleady has lost many friends in the line of duty.

“One of t

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