CT state trooper killed in Texas hunting accident

Connecticut State Trooper Stephen Davis, 27-year veteran of the state police, was shot and killed Saturday. Feb. 6, 2016 in a hunting accident in Texas. Connecticut State Trooper Stephen Davis, 27-year veteran of the state police, was shot and killed Saturday. Feb. 6, 2016 in a hunting accident in Texas. Photo: Connecticut State Police / Contributed Photo Photo: Connecticut State Police / Contributed Photo Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close CT state trooper killed in Texas hunting accident 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

A “highly respected” Connecticut state trooper was killed in a hunting accident in Texas over the weekend, according to State Police.

Trooper First Class Stephen Davis, 51, was killed Saturday evening on the Cinco Ranch in Maverick County, Texas, according to the sheriff's office. “U.S. Border Patrol agents at the location led deputies to the scene of the accident. Upon arrival, the deputy noticed a male subject later identified as Stephen Davis, of Hebron, Connecticut, laying in the brush face up and unresponsive. Mr. Davis was found with an apparent wound to the left side of his torso,” the sheriff’s office said in a release.

“Contact was made with Alvin Chase, of Warren, Maine who stated while hunting, he shot at a wild hog and accidentally struck Davis. Chase further stated he approached Mr. Davis and noticed he was on his hands and knees on the ground. EMS crews were at the scene, where Justice of the Peace Madera declared Mr. Davis deceased at 7:22 p.m.,” the sheriff’s office said. No charges have been filed in the shooting.

The brush country of Maverick County in southwest Texas is a popular destination for hunters seeking white-tailed bucks, elk, pronghorn antelope, wild turkey, hog, bobcat, coyote or javelina. Many of the private hunting ranches have thousands of acres, some of which are fenced in.

Davis most recently served at Troop C in Tolland in eastern Connecticut. A 27-year veteran of the state police, he entered the State Police Academy on April 4, 1988, and graduated with the 98th Training Troop on Sept. 2, 1988. During his career he served as a Tolland Resident Trooper, a DARE Instructor and Field Training Officer for new troopers. Davis, a Hebron resident, was also actively involved with the Troop C Explorer Post.

“A highly-respected trooper, TFC Davis served with distinction and was well-like by troopers and administrators at Troop C and throughout the agency,” state police posted on its Facebook page.

During his career, he earned a Medal for Lifesaving award from the state police. Lt. Scott Smith, Commanding Officer of Troop C shared the sentiment of Troop C, stating “TFC Davis was truly passionate about being a Trooper and his attention to detail was superb. Stephen was a true professional and a well-respected member of this department.”

“The unexpected passing of TFC Davis is a loss for this agency,” noted Dora B. Schriro, Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. “TFC Davis swore to serve and protect the public and he did so as a true professional, earning the respect of his peers.”

Col. Brian Meraviglia, commanding officer of the state police, described TFC Davis as “a dedicated, distinguished member of the Connecticut State Police family. His brother and sister, troopers at Troop C and throughout the agency will miss him tremendously.”

Fellow Trooper, TFC Daniel McCarthy, shared a Mark Twain quote to describe his friend and co-worker “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”