HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Connecticut State Police Sergeant Brian Mohl was laid to rest Thursday after falling in the line of duty.
The mournful sound of bagpipes was in the air as a flag-draped casket guided a grieving family through the Xfinity Theatre in Hartford on Thursday.
Just one week ago in Woodbury, he and his cruiser were swept away in floodwaters after storm Ida hit Connecticut, causing flash floods statewide.
WEB EXTRA: Full funeral services for Sgt. Brian Mohl
Services were held at the Xfinity Theatre in Hartford because thousands of law enforcement members, not only from Connecticut but from all over New England and the country, were expected.
RELATED: Law enforcement from around the state, country travel to Hartford to pay respects to Sgt. Brian Mohl
Colonel Stavros Mellekas of the Connecticut State Police gave one of the eulogies for Sgt. Mohl and said, “Your devotion to duty strength and courage will never be forgotten.”
His younger sister, Laura Mohl Singh, fought tears speaking to the large crowd gathered at the Xfinity Theatre for the funeral. “It’s hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that my brother is gone. It’s harder still to think about how he left this world alone on a stormy night.”
Gary Williams, a lifelong friend, and former colleague said, “We are all grateful to you for answering that call.”
A father of three and husband of Susan Mohl, the sergeant’s other sister referred to the family’s Catholic faith. Frances Gordon said, “For now, Susan, he’s a spirit watching over you. And for mom and dad, he’s an angel.”
Mohl was described as a serious and stoic guy who loved shenanigans and soccer. Sergeant Corey Craft, who worked side-by-side with Mohl asked the theatre of law enforcement to give a final clap as badge #283 leaves the field. Sergeant Craft shouted, his voice cracking, “Please stand up and give him around.”
WEB EXTRA: Sgt. Corey Craft speaks to Sgt. Mohl’s love for his kids and soccer in a eulogy at the funeral services Thursday
During the service, Sgt. Mohl received full State Police honors with the following:
- Three rounds of volley fire
- Taps will be played
- Presentation of flags to family
- Trooper One, Trooper Two and NY State Police helicopter will conduct a flyover
The shell casings and an American flag were presented to the Mohl family as a gesture for his service.
Sergeant Mohl is survived by his wife Susan and three children, his three brothers, his two sisters, and his parents. He was a member of the Connecticut State Police for nearly 27 years and was set to retire next year. Read his obituary here.
Flags have been flying at half-staff statewide in honor of Sergeant Mohl and will return to full-staff at sunset Thursday evening.
Anyone interested in donating to support Sergeant Mohl’s family can do so through the Venmo account @CSP-Union or send a check to the Connecticut State Police Union with a notation stating “Sgt. Brian Mohl.” Donations can be mailed to SGT. Brian Mohl Fund, c/o CSPU, 500 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118.