BERLIN, CT. (THECOUNT) — A devastating motorcycle accident on Wednesday afternoon took the life of Pastor Paul David Krampitz, a beloved Connecticut State Police chaplain and local pastor. The crash occurred on Route 9 in Berlin, Connecticut, around 4:14 p.m., when a Chevrolet Impala collided with Krampitz’s Harley-Davidson motorcycle, state police reported. Krampitz, 65, was thrown from his motorcycle due to the impact and later succumbed to his injuries at New Britain Hospital.
Details of the Incident:
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The fatal crash occurred near Exit 33 on Route 9 North. According to the Connecticut State Police, Krampitz was riding his Harley-Davidson in the left lane when the collision happened. The driver of the Chevrolet Impala involved in the accident has been identified and is cooperating with authorities. Police confirmed that the other driver refused medical treatment at the scene.
State police have launched an investigation into the crash, seeking information or video footage from witnesses. They have asked anyone with relevant details to contact Trooper Michael Dean at Troop H.
A Legacy of Service and Compassion:
Pastor Paul Krampitz was a man of deep faith and unwavering service. He served as the Connecticut State Police Chaplain for 16 years, providing spiritual support to troopers and staff through some of the agency’s most difficult moments, including the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
“It is with an extremely heavy heart that the Connecticut State Police announces the passing of Dr. Reverend Paul Krampitz, a Connecticut State Police Chaplain,” the agency said in a statement. “Chaplain Krampitz touched the lives of hundreds of Troopers, Dispatchers, and support staff in his 16 years of service.”
Krampitz was appointed as a chaplain on July 3, 2008, by Commissioner John A. Danaher III. Throughout his tenure, he was assigned to several police divisions, including Troop L in Litchfield, Troop H in Hartford, and the DESPP Headquarters in Middletown. His work extended beyond state police, as he also served as a chaplain for the Cromwell police and fire departments, Luther Ridge in Middletown, and the Cheshire police department.
Remembered by the Community:
The passing of Pastor Krampitz has left a profound impact on the communities he served. Cromwell police took to social media to express their grief, writing, “Pastor Paul was an extraordinary man who was one of our biggest supporters and friends. He was a light in the darkest of times and we will forever hold him in our hearts.”
They recalled one of Krampitz’s frequent reminders, “Something Pastor Paul always reminded us, even though you may be walking through the valley of the shadow of death, you are ‘walking through’ and will come out the other side. We will feel you with us always.”
The Cromwell Fire Department also issued a heartfelt statement, honoring Krampitz’s years of dedicated service to the fire department. “Chaplain Krampitz was more than just a chaplain; he was a friend, a mentor, and a source of strength for all of us. His passion for helping others and his deep faith inspired us daily.”
A Life of Faith and Leadership:
Krampitz’s pastoral work extended far beyond law enforcement. He was the pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Cromwell and held various leadership positions in the Lutheran community, including serving as the past dean of the Southern and Central Connecticut Conferences. He was a graduate of Yale Divinity School and Hartford Seminary, where he earned his Doctor of Ministry degree.
Krampitz is survived by his wife Paula and their three children—Zoë, Zaidan, and Zachary—as well as two adult daughters, Christina and Maria. The family, along with the communities Krampitz served, is left mourning the loss of a man who dedicated his life to the service of others.
Investigation Ongoing:
The crash on Route 9 led to the highway being closed for several hours on Wednesday afternoon. The Connecticut State Police continue to investigate the accident, with the cooperation of the driver of the Chevrolet Impala. Authorities are urging anyone with information or video evidence to assist in the investigation.
The loss of Pastor Paul Krampitz is deeply felt by those who knew him and those who were touched by his kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service.
Berlin is a town in the Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut, United States. The population was 20,175 at the 2020 census. It was incorporated in 1785. The geographic center of Connecticut is located in the town. Berlin is residential and industrial, and is served by the Amtrak station of the same name.
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