In Memory of Sergeant Brian Mohl
On Thursday, September 2, 2021, Connecticut authorities briefed residents about a state police officer’s tragic accident. Sergeant Brian Mohl lost his life when his vehicle left the road during severe rain from the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.
During the most dangerous weather seen in that area in many years, Sgt. Mohl was working to stay ahead of water levels. He was watching levels to be able to warn residents to get to safety if needed.
As he was driving from checkpoint to checkpoint, Sgt Mohl’s patrol car was swept off Jack’s Bridge Road. Mohl’s car, along with Sgt. Mohl went into the Weekeepeemee River in Woodbury. It was about 3:30 am, and as his vehicle was failing, he was able to send a last distress call to dispatchers.
It was learned from an autopsy that Sgt. Mohl died from blunt force trauma from the accident. After his radio call for help went out, a search party was immediately dispatched to the Woodbury area. It took several hours to recover Sgt. Mohl from the river and was taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he was officially pronounced dead.
Sergeant Mohl had devoted his life to the residents of Connecticut. He had served with the Connecticut State Police for more than 26 years. Fellow officers described him as a good friend and someone with a great sense of humor. He loved his family and the community of Woodbury.
Connecticut State Police
Sergeant Mohl died working the midnight shift for Troop L of the Connecticut State Police. Headquartered in Middletown, the CSP has approximately 1030 sworn officers plus additional civilian support. The CSP is a department of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
Beyond the well-known state police responsibilities such as enforcing traffic laws on state highways, the CSP also oversees the protection services for the Governor, Lt. Governor, their homes, and their families. Sergeant Mohl had started his career with Troop A and had his final call with Troop L while working the midnight shift to keep his community safe.
Remembrances
Sergeant Brian Mohl leaves behind his wife, three children, parents, and siblings. Thousands of state troopers, local law enforcement, neighbors, and residents will come together to show gratitude for the sacrifice made by Sgt. Mohl and his family.
The Mohl family released a statement, and in it, they expressed their grief and spoke of the special person Sgt. Mohl had been in life. “Even though Brian was committed to his work, he always found a way to put his family life first. He never lost sight of that. If he wasn’t at work, he was spending time with us. Brian’s love for his family was larger than life. He had a special way about him with his kindness, humor, and warmth.”
Connecticut State Trooper Sgt. Corey Craft, a current member of Troop H, remembered when he met Trooper Mohl when they first started their careers together. Both officers began with Troop A and worked the midnight shift together. “We were like the odd couple, totally different people, and we just clicked for whatever reason. We had an amazing friendship. There’s something to be said for people who will go out overnight in the worst conditions. He’s out on the road at 3 o’clock in the morning checking places; he’s just a great guy. He loved the community of Woodbury; he loved the people of Woodbury; he loved his home in Woodbury.”
State Police Colonel Stavros Mellekas announced the loss. “Every line-of-duty death is heartbreaking, and the loss of Sgt. Mohl is no different. In the middle of the night, he was outside in horrendous conditions, patrolling the Troop L area. He was doing a job he loved, and he was taken much too soon.”
