HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Senate on , approved legislation that would name Interstate 81’s Exit 119 in Schuylkill County in memory of fallen Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Michael E. Pahira Jr., according to an announcement from state Sen. Dave Argall.
Memorial Interchange Proposed for I-81 Exit 119
The measure would designate the interchange of Interstate 81 and State Route 4007, located along the border of Cass and Butler townships, as the PSP Trooper Michael E. Pahira Jr. Memorial Interchange.
Pahira was killed on , when he was struck by a tractor-trailer while conducting a commercial vehicle safety inspection along I-81 in Cass Township.
He joined the Pennsylvania State Police in 2007 and most recently served as a motor carrier enforcement inspector with Troop L, Frackville. Pahira was the 106th Pennsylvania state trooper to die in the line of duty.
“Pennsylvania suffered a tragedy this summer with the loss of Trooper Pahira in the line of duty,” Argall, R-29, said. “Trooper Pahira represented the very best of our commonwealth, dedicating nearly 20 years of his life to serving his community and the people of Pennsylvania.”
Legislation Moves to Pennsylvania House
Following Pahira’s death, Argall and state Rep. Tim Twardzik, R-123, introduced legislation to honor his service. Their proposal was subsequently incorporated into Senate Bill 1217.
Senate Bill 1217 now heads to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for consideration.