TOLLAND, Connecticut — A Connecticut state trooper has been killed in a hunting accident in Texas.

Trooper Stephen Davis, described as a “highly respected,” 27-year veteran of the state police, was shot and killed Saturday evening in Maverick County, Texas, according to the sheriff’s office there. A Maine man who was hunting in the area said he shot at a wild hog and accidentally hit Davis.

The shooter was identified as Alvin Chase of Warren, the Maverick County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release posted Monday on its website.

When deputies went to the Cinco Ranch around 6:30 p.m. they found Davis with a wound to the left side of his torso. He was pronounced dead less than an hour later.

Maverick County is southwest of San Antonio and adjacent to the Mexican border.

Davis most recently worked at the Troop C barracks in Tolland, according to the Connecticut State Police. During his career he served as a Tolland resident trooper, a DARE instructor and field training officer for new troopers. He also was involved with the Troop C Explorer Post.

He lived in Hebron with his family.

The state police said Davis “served with distinction and was well-liked by troopers and administrators at Troop C and throughout the agency.” He once earned a medal for saving a life. His full title is trooper first class.

Lt. Scott Smith, commanding officer of Troop C, said, “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.”

Dora B. Schriro, commissioner of the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, said, “TFC Davis swore to serve and protect the public and he did so as a true professional, earning the respect of his peers.”

The commanding officer of the state police, Col. Brian Meraviglia, described 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.”

Trooper 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.”

Bangor Daily News writer Dawn Gagnon contributed to this report.

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