Trooper Michael E. Pahira, Jr. - Pennsylvania State Police - Pennsylvania

On July 1, 2026, at approximately 7:00 a.m., Trooper Michael E. Pahira Jr. of the Pennsylvania State Police was killed in the line of duty after being struck by a commercial vehicle. 

Trooper Michael Pahira was conducting a vehicle safety inspection on Interstate Highway 81 in Cass Township, Pennsylvania.  He was in the southbound lanes near exit 119.  While conducting this vehicle safety inspection, Trooper Pahira's patrol vehicle was struck causing it to slam into the vehicle he was inspecting.

The force pushed the commercial vehicle into the side of the road and trapped Trooper Pahira under the vehicle.  The tractor-trailer then caught fire.  

Trooper Pahira was transported to the hospital, but succumbed to his injuries 90 minutes later.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was injured and transported to a local hospital.

Trooper Michael Pahira had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for 20 years and was assigned to Troop L in Frackville. Survivors include his parents and sister.  Our prayers and condolences to Trooper Pahira's family both at home and with the Pennsylvania State Police.