Funeral honoring fallen Pennsylvania State Trooper First Class Michael E. Pahira Jr. on July 8th, 2026 in Ashland, Pa.
ASHLAND — Funeral services were held for Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael E. Pahira Junior at North Schuylkill Junior/Senior High School in Ashland. State police say Trooper Pahira was killed while conducting a commercial vehicle inspection along Interstate 81 south in Cass Township.
Police say a second commercial vehicle left the roadway, struck Trooper Pahira’s patrol unit, hit the truck being inspected and then struck Trooper Pahira. Both commercial vehicles caught fire after the impact.
Trooper Pahira joined the Pennsylvania State Police in 2007 and most recently served in the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit at Frackville. State police say he is the 106th PSP member killed in the line of duty. State lawmakers want to name Interstate 81 Exit 119 for Trooper Pahira.
