The Wethersfield Town Council in Connecticut has voted 5-3 to deny a motion put forth by Republican members to fly the “Thin Blue Line” flag in front of the town hall in honor of fallen Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier. The Democrats on the council who voted against the request stated that the flag “represents racism and antagonism to many, many people.”
Rather than flying the Thin Blue Line flag, the town council decided to fly the Pride flag at half-mast, as June is designated as Pride Month. This decision has drawn criticism from those who believe the council should have prioritized honoring the memory and service of the fallen trooper.
Trooper Pelletier’s wife, Dominique Pelletier, chose to fly the Thin Blue Line flag in front of her own home on Friday after delivering a moving tribute to her husband, whom she described as a “man of integrity and honor.” She vowed to keep his memory alive for their two children and expressed her profound love and respect for her late husband.
The suspect responsible for Trooper Pelletier’s death, Alex Oyola-Sanchez, 44, has been charged with several offenses, including 2nd-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, operating while intoxicated, and evading responsibility resulting in death. The fallen trooper, a nine-year veteran of the force, was honored with a 20-mile procession from a funeral home in Southington to the Hartford amphitheater where the service was held.
