WOODBURY, Conn. (1010 WINS) — Gov. Ned Lamont directed U.S. and state flags across Connecticut to be lowered at half-staff to honor a state trooper who died after flood waters swept his cruiser off a road in Woodbury early Thursday morning.
Sergeant Brian Mohl served for 26 years with the state police before his death.
“The passing of Sergeant Brian Mohl is a shock and a tragedy, and I am incredibly saddened by his loss,” Lamont said. “He dedicated his career and his life to public safety and protecting the lives of others. His tragic loss is a reminder of the dangers that State Troopers and first responders put themselves in every day when responding to emergencies, and they deserve our utmost respect.
Mohl, who was on duty at the time, was driving near Jack’s Bridge around 3:30 a.m. when he made a distress call saying his cruiser was being swept away, Connecticut State Police officials said at a news briefing Thursday afternoon.
Emergency responders found the trooper alive just before 9 a.m., police said.
He was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, according to police.
Lamont said he will notify when when flags should be returned to full-staff.
"Sergeant Mohl served the people of Connecticut with honor and commitment, and for that he will have our eternal gratitude and respect," he added. "My heart goes out to his family, friends, and colleagues at the Connecticut State Police, and I ask the people of Connecticut to keep him in their prayers.”