SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - Massachusetts State Police honored the life of a fallen officer who was killed while working in the line of duty early this Wednesday morning in Uxbridge. That officer has been identified as Stephen Laporta of Uxbridge. Laporta now leaves behind his wife and 13-year-old child.

“In our eyes, he was a hero,” said Uxbridge Police Chief Marc Montminy.

Laporta was assisting a motorist involved in a car accident on the highway when he and his patrol vehicle were hit by a tractor trailer. The incident closed down the area and backing up traffic on the highway for hours as crews worked to clear the area. Lifesaving measures were performed by first responders, but Laporta died from his injuries at the scene.

A procession of police cruisers escorted Laporta’s body from the highway hours after the crash to the medical examiner’s office in Westfield. The Uxbridge Police Department held a press conference Wednesday afternoon, honoring Laporta’s service to the community.

This heartbreaking incident reminds us of the risks law enforcement officers take every day. Officer LaPorta Gave his life and service to the community. A sacrifice we will never forget," said Chief Montminy.

Members of the police department also honored Laporta during Wednesday’s State Police Graduation Ceremony in Springfield.

“We also like to acknowledge our brothers and sister at Uxbridge police department who lost one of their members last nights. At this time please join me in a moment of silence as we remember all the police and military personal in our great commonwealth and beyond who have given their lives in defense of this nation and it’s people,” said Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble.

Western Mass News heard from Governor Maura Healey AT Wednesday’s graduation ceremony. She told us all flags on state buildings have been ordered fly at half-staff in Laporta’s honor.

The Governor expressed her sympathies to those who knew and worked with Officer Laporta, “devastating, heartbreaking news, our prayers are with his family and the members of the department.”

As of right now, the incident remains under investigation by Massachusetts State Police.

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