A sea of gray uniforms, flashing lights, American flags, and salutes filled Schuylkill County on Wednesday as family, friends, law enforcement, first responders, and community members gathered to say a final goodbye to Pennsylvania State Police Trooper First Class Michael E. Pahira Jr.
Pahira, 44, of Ashland, formerly of Frackville, died in the line of duty on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, while serving with the Pennsylvania State Police.
The day began around 7:00 a.m. when the first procession departed the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home in Frackville and traveled to North Schuylkill Jr./Sr. High School, where visitation and funeral services were held.
Leading the procession were an estimated 82 motorcycle police units, followed by family and law enforcement vehicles as Trooper Pahira returned to the same school where he once walked the halls as a student and made his name as a standout athlete.
Outside the school, fire departments paid tribute with aerial archways. The Frackville Fire Department and Shenandoah Fire Department displayed an archway at North Schuylkill, while another was set up along Route 61 near the school by Frackville and Schuylkill Haven firefighters. Later in Ashland, the Ashland Fire Department and Mt. Carmel Fire Department honored Pahira with additional archways.
Hundreds attended the public visitation, including members of the Pennsylvania State Police, police officers from across Pennsylvania and other states, firefighters, EMS personnel, elected officials, family, friends, and members of the community.
The service that followed remembered not only Trooper Pahira’s nearly two decades in uniform, but also “Mikey”, the son, brother, uncle, friend, wrestler, and protector remembered by those closest to him.
Funeral Director Tim Sullivan opened the service on behalf of the Pahira family, thanking the community and law enforcement for the overwhelming support.
“We gather to celebrate the life, honor the service, and remember the extraordinary sacrifice of Trooper Michael E. Pahira Jr.,” Sullivan said.
Governor Shapiro: “A Damn Good Cop”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro spoke about Pahira’s dedication to public service, describing him as a “damn good cop” while also sharing stories about the person behind the badge.
Shapiro reflected on Pahira’s days as a North Schuylkill wrestler, including his District 11 championship and a PIAA record-setting seven-second pin that still stands. The Governor announced that, at his request, the PIAA issued a proclamation recognizing Pahira’s accomplishment, which was presented to his parents.
“His 7-second pin is still a record to this day. His friends told me they'd think it was faster, but the ref was too darn slow to get over and begin the counting,” Shapiro joked.
The Governor also spoke about Pahira’s devotion to his family, especially his mother, whom he had recently moved home to help care for during her battle with cancer.
“Despite being a big tough guy and a wrestling champ, he had a soft spot in his heart for his nieces Belle and Brin and especially for his mom,” Shapiro said.
He shared how Pahira, who loved cooking, prepared meals for his family, including steak for his mother to help with her iron levels during treatments.
Shapiro said Trooper Pahira represented the best of law enforcement.
“To those like Mike and the loved ones who make the ultimate sacrifice, we owe a debt that we can never repay, but we all must always strive to meet,” Shapiro said.
Pennsylvania State Police Honor One of Their Own
Colonel George Bivens, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, reflected on Pahira’s career, which began when he joined the 124th cadet class on January 22, 2007.
“Nearly 20 years in uniform, never seeking recognition, simply showing up every day and doing the work the right way,” Bivens said.
He described Pahira as one of the Commonwealth’s quiet public servants.
“The Pennsylvania State Police lost a respected trooper, and the Commonwealth lost one of its quiet public servants,” Bivens said.
Bivens also recalled Pahira’s heroism during a January 28, 2016 fire in Pottsville. Pahira and others responded to a multi-story apartment fire where they entered heavy smoke and helped form a human chain during the rescue effort.
“The actions of Trooper Pahira and others undoubtedly saved lives that day,” Bivens said, noting 11 people were evacuated from four buildings.
Speaking about the events following the July 1st crash on Interstate 81, Bivens praised the actions of bystanders who helped pull Pahira from beneath a burning truck, along with the efforts of troopers and emergency responders who tried to save him.
“I watched our brotherhood in action,” Bivens said. “They stood watch, comforted one another, and ensured Michael was never to be alone from the moment of his passing until the time of his interment.”
Bivens closed by sharing words from the Pahira family about “Mikey,” the man who moved back home and jokingly called his parents his “roomies.”
“One of Mikey's friends said it best. The only thing bigger than Mikey's cowboy hat was his heart,” Bivens said.
His final message to Pahira:
“Michael, your watch is over. You answered every call that was placed before you. You served this Commonwealth with honor, humility, and quiet professionalism.”
Remembered as a Spartan
Coach Rick Edwards, who coached Pahira on the wrestling mat at North Schuylkill and spent 34 years teaching in the district, remembered him as an athlete whose discipline carried far beyond competition.
Edwards spoke about Pahira’s wrestling achievements, including becoming a District 11 junior high champion, winning a district championship in 2001, and competing at the Beast of the East tournament.
“Mikey’s exceptional ability, his strong work ethic, his competitive spirit, and his love for life all became part of those formative years,” Edwards said.
He also recalled Pahira’s determination after suffering a serious knee injury during his senior season.
“Mikey didn't win a state championship, but as a wrestler, he proved that you just can't give up,” Edwards said.
Edwards described 22 qualities of an outstanding person, including honesty, loyalty, discipline, toughness, and common sense, saying Pahira possessed them all.
“I know for a fact that Mikey had every single attribute that I just mentioned. It's a heck of a young man,” Edwards said.
He also announced that the Pahira family is establishing a wrestling scholarship in Michael’s name to support future Spartan wrestlers.
“Mikey, I love you, bud. And oh, save me a seat next to the wrestling mat when you get there,” Edwards said.
“Life Is Good, Brother”
Trooper Chris Graf, a friend of Pahira’s since age 12 and fellow member of the 124th cadet class, shared stories of a lifelong friendship that started inside the same school building where the service was held.
“Mike, you were literally the big brother I never had,” Graf said.
He recalled their younger years, riding around in Pahira’s loud black truck.
“I'll never forget getting picked up in the black truck, which most of our moms hated... you could hear it about a mile away,” Graf said.
Graf said seeing Pahira during their first day at the State Police Academy helped calm his nerves.
“You gave me that signature smirk and just nodded,” Graf recalled. “You said, ‘I told you we’d make it, kid.’”
He remembered Pahira as someone who enjoyed the simple things, including cigars, spending time with friends, and appreciating life.
“I’d ask ‘How’s the job?’ He’d simply reply, ‘Life is good, brother,’” Graf said.
Graf promised Pahira that his State Police family would continue looking after those he loved.
“Brother, not only do we have the watch, but we have the family and the friends as well. Everyone will be watched and taken care of.”
A Son Who Came Home
Bill McCale, Pahira’s uncle, godfather, and a retired Pennsylvania State Police Major, spoke about watching Michael grow into a man defined by both strength and compassion.
McCale recalled the pride of handing Pahira his badge when he graduated from the State Police Academy and later riding along with him on patrol.
“His physical stature demanded attention,” McCale said. “The way he conducted himself demanded respect, and there's a difference.”
He described Pahira as someone with incredible physical strength, joking he could move items that should have required a forklift.
But McCale said his greatest strength was his heart.
“He was a big guy, and that's certainly true, but he was a better man. And the biggest thing about him was his heart,” McCale said.
He spoke about Michael’s decision to move back home and help his parents.
“When I told him how impressed I was by that gesture, he simply stated, ‘My parents needed me.’ That's Mike,” McCale said.
“There’s a saying that a man is judged by how he treats his mother. If that is true, Mikey will be judged very well.”
Faith and Final Blessing
Monsignor William Glosser focused his reflection on respect, service, and sacrifice.
He shared that an Assistant District Attorney who worked with Pahira described him as someone who represented what a state trooper should be, helpful, patient, fair, and respectful.
“Michael died trying to make sure that other people respect each other,” Glosser said.
He also reflected on St. Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of police officers and soldiers, before leading those gathered in prayer.
A Final Ride Home
Around 1:15 p.m., the second procession departed for Ashland, where Trooper Pahira was laid to rest.
Once again, motorcycle units led the way, followed by dozens of vehicles carrying family, friends, Pennsylvania State Police members, and fellow first responders.
As the procession moved up Centre Street toward the top of Ashland, first responders from across Pennsylvania stood at attention and saluted. Fire departments, police departments, sheriff’s departments, tow companies, and guards from FCI Schuylkill lined the route to honor Pahira one final time.
The cemetery service was private, but the final honors could be heard from nearby, including bagpipes, bands, and a flyover from the Pennsylvania State Police helicopter “Trooper 1.”
From Frackville, to North Schuylkill, to Ashland, Schuylkill County stood together Wednesday to remember a trooper who dedicated his life to protecting others, and a man whose family, friends, and fellow troopers said will always be remembered for a heart even bigger than his presence.
