PEABODY - State Police honored Trooper Kevin Trainor with a solemn procession on a sunny afternoon Tuesday for his wake held nearly a week after he was killed by a wrong-way driver on Route 1.
Hundreds of uniformed State Police troopers and other law enforcement walked single file into Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home on Lynn Street, just a few miles from where the 30-year-old Trainor was struck in his cruiser on May 6 in Lynnfield.
As bagpipes played, troopers and other law enforcement officers, including those from out of state, passed by Trainor’s casket, an emotional gesture of solidarity for a fallen colleague.
“This is a day of brotherhood and sisterhood,” Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble told reporters outside the funeral home. “There’s no more fitting tribute to Kevin’s heroism.”
Governor Maura Healey joined Noble in paying tribute to Trainor, a trooper since 2023.
“Their son, their brother, was a hero,” Healey told reporters, recalling what she told Trainor’s family and friends inside the funeral home.
“We can’t touch the grief that you’re feeling as loved ones, as family, but please know that what Trooper Trainor did saved lives,” Healey said.
Noble said he learned from Trainor’s colleagues and commanders that he lead the Danvers barracks in enforcing operating under the influence laws and road safety.
“He gave his life in the performance of that effort,” Noble said. “His legacy will be remembered as an inspiration to his fellow troopers, and we’ll carry that forward.”
Every State Police barracks across the state was represented, Tim McGuirk, a spokesperson for the State Police said.
An enormous American flag hung from the ladders of two local fire engines over the procession. A crowd stood respectfully across the street watching the officers.
Following the procession, a line of people wrapped around the funeral home. Family and friends solemnly embraced, offering condolences to one another.
Trainor lived in Georgetown, but grew up in a large family in Salem, according to an family tributed posted to the funeral home’s website.
He was engaged to be married.
A funeral Mass will be said for Trainor at St. James Church on Federal Street in Salem at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Mourners attached pins with a photo of Trainor on collars, suit lapels, and dresses.
“All of this, for someone who gave everything,” said Shane Ballou, Trainor’s childhood friend from Salem. “I would expect nothing less.”
In the funeral home the mood was “very somber, but also very respectful and very supportive,” said Ballou, 35.
The wake was almost like a high school reunion for Trainor and Ballou’s former classmates from Salem High School.
“Everyone was there for each other,” he said.
Like many attendees Lewis Meyers, 43, a banker from Lynn, said he did not know Trainor, but wanted to show respect for his service.
“A young life [was lost],” Lewis said. “We went by the barracks and laid some flowers at his cruiser.”
Joshua Russo, 24, of Peabody went to give his final thanks to Trainor. Russo was arrested by the trooper less than a year ago, he said.
“He kind of gave me the kick that I needed to get my life in order,” Russo explained. “I have been a better person for it.”
“I really wanted to thank him when I got off probation, but we didn’t make it that far.”
Chloe Pisani can be reached at chloe.pisani@globe.com.