The organization released a statement from PSTA President Stephen Polishan regarding the crash and the truck driver accused in connection with Pahira’s death.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the driver accused in the crash remained in the United States illegally after his humanitarian parole was terminated in June 2025.
Polishan said the focus should remain on the loss of Trooper Pahira and questions surrounding how the driver was able to operate a commercial vehicle.
“This is not about politics. This is about right versus wrong,” Polishan said. “Trooper Pahira was a hero, and his family, fellow troopers and the public deserve answers. They need to know why the person accused of this senseless killing, who was in the United States illegally, had been granted a commercial driver's license in Massachusetts.”
Polishan continued:
“This individual should never have been driving such a dangerous vehicle on our highways. But he was, and now a good man is dead. Trooper Pahira should be alive today.”
Trooper Pahira, a 20-year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police assigned to Troop L, was killed Wednesday morning while conducting a Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program inspection along Interstate 81 in Butler Township.
Authorities said Pahira was outside his patrol vehicle during the inspection when he was struck. The driver involved was later charged in connection with the fatal crash.
Pahira’s death has prompted an outpouring of support from law enforcement agencies, first responders, and community members across Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania State Troopers Association represents more than 4,400 state police officers serving across the Commonwealth.