Retired Trooper's Body Returned Home to Enfield

The body of retired Connecticut State Trooper returned home to Enfield Thursday, escorted by a number of his former colleagues.

Protzenko, 46, was killed Saturday in Panjshir province, Afghanistan, while working for Military Professional Resources, Inc., a private defense firm which contracts with the U.S. military to provide security and training.

According to a report published on the Fallen Heroes: Afghanistan Web site, Protzenko was in a vehicle with U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Terryl L. Pasker when an Afghan security officer stopped their vehicle and opened fire. Both men died at the scene. A U.S. soldier in another vehicle shot and killed the Afghan guard.

Protzenko's body was returned to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware late Monday night, and was prepared for burial before being transported back to Connecticut, MPRI spokesman Rick Kiernan said.

Connecticut state troopers met the hearse carrying Protzenko's flag-draped coffin at the New York state line Thursday morning, and were joined by an Enfield police escort at exit 46 of Interstate 91 at 12:06 p.m.

The procession traveled north on Route 5 before turning east on South Road, where it delivered the body to Leete-Stevens Family Funeral Home.

Calling hours at the funeral home will be Sunday from 3-8 p.m. Protzenko's funeral will take place Monday at 10 a.m. in St. Adalbert Church on Alden Ave. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.