The Massachusetts State Police is mourning after a decorated state trooper was killed early Wednesday morning by a wrong-way driver as he responded to a call minutes after his shift ended.
“Make no mistake: Trooper Trainor saved lives this morning. His courage – his commitment to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth and put his life on the line – prevented an even greater tragedy. He will be remembered as a hero,” said State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble.
Trooper Kevin Trainor, 30, had just ended his shift when, shortly after 2:00 a.m., dispatchers received a call reporting a wrong-way driver on Route 1 North in Lynnfield, Massachusetts.
Though his shift had ended, Trainor responded along with other troopers, and located the vehicle at 2:03 a.m.
Just one minute later, the driver struck Trainor’s cruiser, killing him.
State Police have not released the name of the wrong-way driver who caused the death or offered any details on what contributed to the erratic driving. It is not clear whether the wrong-way driver survived the crash.
Trainor was engaged at the time of his death.
During a 20-minute press conference, police praised Trainor, who only worked as a trooper for three years, as a heroic and dedicated officer.
He mentored new troopers and earned a promotion to the Troop Community Action Team.
He was well loved by his family and trusted by his fellow law enforcement officers.
