Trooper Michael Pahira, Jr., known to many as Big Mike or Mikey, was killed in the line of duty at approximately 6:45 a.m. on July 1, 2026 while conducting a Motor Carrier Inspection along Interstate 81 in Cass Township, Schuylkill County.  He served nearly twenty years with the Pennsylvania State Police and was stationed at Troop L - Frackville at the time of his passing.  He was a beloved member of Lodge 65 and served as the Frackville Barracks Trustee.  He is survived by his parents, Patti and Mike Pahira, his sister and brother-in-law, Jen and Damien Buggy, and his nieces, Brielle and Brynn Buggy.

Members of the Hamburg Barracks acted swiftly to take the driver of the tractor-trailer responsible for Trooper Pahira's death into custody.  As of 7:00 p.m. on July 1, 2026, the driver, Michael Bon, had been arraigned on charges of Homicide by Vehicle (F3), Aggravated Assault by Vehicle (F3), Involuntary Manslaughter (M1), Recklessly Endangering Another Person (M2), and host of summary violations to include Reckless and Careless Driving.  He remains in custody with his bail having been set at $700,000.  A preliminary hearing on the charges has been scheduled for July 16, 2026.

Arrangements for Trooper Pahira's viewing and funeral are being made presently.  Additional information will be forthcoming on the details.  In the meantime, a fundraising campaign for his family has been initiated through Help a Hero and donations can be made through the below link.

https://helpahero.com/campaign/support-the-family-of-tpr-michael-e-pahira-jr

Our members serve the Commonwealth with honor and distinction.  Trooper Pahira's death is a stark reminder of the dangers we face every day in carrying out that service and our duties.  We mourn the loss of our Brother and ask that you continue to pray for his family and the Gray Nation in this time of loss.

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