HUDSON, N.H. — A candlelight vigil was held Thursday night to honor New Hampshire native and Virginia police officer Katie Thyne, who was killed during a traffic stop while on the job.
In the blistering cold temperatures, Alvirne High School’s football stadium stands were packed with people who gathered for the vigil.
MORE: Virginia police officer dragged to her death after suspect attempts to elude traffic stop
Thyne was a 2013 graduate of the school.
“Katie was a bright light in a world that sometimes seemed so dark. She was a true role model and inspiration in my life,” said event coordinator Alishia Soto.
Sgt. Steve Pennington of the Newport News, Virginia Police Department, said Thyne’s presence lit up any room.
“She left us physically, never leave our hearts. Her electric smile, and the way she walked into rooms,” Pennington said.
The 24-year-old died last Thursday in the line of duty. Thyne and her partner were approaching a car when she was dragged. Authorities say the car hit the tree, and Thyne was pinned between the tree and the car.
Thyne was on the job since 2018.
“He was the one who noticed drug activity going on while watching surveillance cameras and got the cruisers going to the call,” said Hudson Police Chief William Avery, who recognized Thyne’s partner on the night she was killed. “Officer Myer, please raise your hand. He is Officer Thyne’s partner.”
Thyne leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter.
And in the same week, the town lost another Alvirne High School graduate. U.S. Air Force Capt. Ryan Phaneuf died in a plane crash in Afghanistan. He was just 30 years old. Phaneuf was assigned to the 37th Bomb Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota.
“He grew as a leader in such a great way and became somebody for the other students to look up to as Katie did as well. Both of them are shining examples of what it’s like to be a good person,” said Hudson Schools Superintendent Bryan Lane.
Others showed up telling us their town has been through one tragedy after tragedy, and they want the victim’s families to know the town is behind them and supporting them.
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