A former Connecticut State Trooper was killed while working for a private defense firm in Afghanistan.
Former Trooper First Class Paul Protzenko, 47, was killed late Friday or early Saturday, according to a spokesperson for Military Professional Resources Inc., the company for which Protzenko was working.
Protzenko was a married father of three. His son, Matthew Protzenko, who served in Iraq, said he was notified of this father's death the day it happened.
Matthew Protzenko's said his father served for 20 years as a State Trooper. He retired in 2009. Before becoming a state trooper, he served in the U.S. Army.
Residents of the Enfield street where Protzenko lived were saddened over his death. Several neighbors said they knew him like he was family.
"I just feel really bad that we got the news last night that he died. It's terrible," Lucy Preston said, choking back tears. "The kids used to play together and he always used to come over and just make sure everything was OK."
Ted Dixon, another neighbor, said his brother-in-law served with Protzenko in the state police.
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"Real nice guy, he would help anybody," Dixon said. "He would help out the neighbors, just an all around guy."
Lt. Paul Vance, of the State Police, said Protzenko training police in Afghanistan. It was unclear Sunday how Protzenko was killed.
"Paul simply was a man who dedicated his life to his country, his family, and the people of Connecticut he continually served," said Lt. Vance.
MPRI is working with the family to return Protzenko's body to Connecticut, company spokesperson Rick Kirnan said.
An official statement and further details will be released by MPRI on Monday, Kirnan said.
The Department of Defense is conducting an investigation into Protzenko's death.
