LYNNFIELD — A wrong-way driver in a Jeep, later identified as Hernan Marrero, 50, of Roslindale, traveling south in the northbound lanes of Route 1 at 2:04 a.m. Wednesday crashed into a Massachusetts State Police cruiser, killing the driver at the scene and critically injuring State Trooper Kevin Trainor, who later died at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Trainor, who served with the Essex County Sheriff’s Department as a dedicated correctional officer from 2021 to 2023, was remembered by the department.

“In that time, he made a meaningful impact on those around him. He was known for his professionalism, his strong work ethic, and the genuine care he showed for his fellow officers and the people he served,” a statement from the Essex County Sheriff’s Department said.

It continued, “Kevin was someone his colleagues could count on. He was steady, respectful, and committed to doing the job the right way. His decision to continue his career with the Massachusetts State Police reflected his deep commitment to public service and his desire to protect others. Trooper Kevin Trainor will be remembered for his dedication, service, and sacrifice. He will always remain part of the Essex County Sheriff’s Department family.”

A press conference was held at the State Police Danvers Barracks with Gov. Maura Healey, Colonel Geoffrey Noble, and President of the State Police Association of Massachusetts Brian Williams.

“Today, the Massachusetts State Police mourns the line of duty death of trooper Kevin Trainor, who was senselessly killed this morning by a wrong-way driver,” said Noble, who is the superintendent of Mass State Police.

Noble said that Trainor’s shift had ended at 2 a.m. and that he had begun his commute home when a call came in for a wrong-way driver on Route 1 northbound in Lynnfield.

“Several dedicated troopers in the area responded, converging to the area and located the vehicle traveling the wrong way at 2:03 a.m. And just one minute later, at 2:04 a.m., a Jeep collided with Trooper Trainor’s cruiser head-on,” he said.

Later, he noted that Trainor had done what all troopers do on and off duty: “be there to help.”

Noble continued that the reckless actions of the driver “stole” Trainor from his family, including his “brothers and sisters with the Massachusetts State Police.”

“Today and always, we will stand beside them to support them in honor of Kevin’s memory… We will never forget his service as a decorated Massachusetts State Trooper. At just 30 years old, a trooper of only three years, Kevin epitomized what it means to be a public servant in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” he said.

Noble said that Trainor had mentored others and set the standard for professionalism.

“He earned a place on the prestigious Troop A Community Action Team. It patrolled our roads with a singular focus: keeping the people of this Commonwealth safe,” he said. “… As one person put it, he was the guy you wanted as your backup. Not just on the job, but in his personal life too.”

Noble described Trainor’s actions as heroic and said that he was certain that if Trainor hadn’t stepped in, many more tragedies would have occurred.

“I am grateful to stand in this moment with our governor, the secretary of public safety, and our law enforcement partners today as we honor an extraordinary man, son, fiancée, brother, nephew, and friend who gave his life in service of others,” Noble said.

Healey expressed her condolences to Trainor’s family, stating that the Commonwealth had lost a hero.

“He was doing heroic work… Kevin came from a family of public service. His siblings, who I met, (an) EMT, a firefighter, a physician’s assistant, among others. And Kevin was about public service,” Healey said.

She continued that everyone should take the time to express gratitude toward law enforcement and that she will make sure the Commonwealth honors Trainor and his family.

Williams stated that he and the rest of the association are deeply saddened by Trainor’s death.

“His actions reflect the very essence of service and dedication to the communities we serve. Trooper Trainor is a hero. He served with courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the state police, to his fellow troopers, and to the citizens of this Commonwealth,” Williams said.

He continued that the associations, Noble and his command staff, and the entire membership are working to support the Trainor family and department members.

The case remains under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, Troop A Detectives, Crime Scene Services Section, State Police Detectives assigned to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, and the Office of the Chief
Medical Examiner, according to the Massachusetts Essex District Attorney’s office.

A soaking rain is expected to arrive Thursday evening across New Hampshire, where moderate drought still persists.

The National Weather Service reports that thunderstorms are possible in central New Hampshire and wind gusts could reach up to 40 mph.

Their forecast indicates that the White Mountains and foothills could get the heaviest rainfall, as much as 1 inch.

Related: Ongoing drought could fuel a more intense wildfire season in NH

Rangers with the state Division of Forests & Lands posted Wednesday’s fire danger at moderate levels.

WMUR reports firefighters from half a dozen communities responded in Deerfield on Tuesday to help the Deerfield Fire Department contain a brush fire, which was exacerbated by windy conditions.

After this rain storm, New Hampshire can expect to see mostly sunny days Thursday and Friday. The next chance of rain is Saturday afternoon and evening.

New Jersey … Long Island … what’s the difference?

Bruce Springsteen, stage-bantering during his Tuesday night concert at UBS Arena in Elmont, told the audience he seen little difference between the two bedroom communities of New York City.

And he paid tribute to Billy Joel.

“You see, Long Island and New Jersey — they’re the same thing. We were just separated at birth. That was what happened,” he said to cheers while performing “Wrecking Ball.” “We’re all my fellow bridge and tunnel people.” 

Then, maneuvering his guitar, he added: “If you shake up New Jersey like this it becomes Long Island.”

The banter was prompted by the song lyrics, “I was raised outta steel / Here in the swamps of Jersey.”

Springsteen’s tribute to Long Island drew laughter, cheers and nods of agreement. His lyrics referencing the New York Giants and The Meadowlands Sports Complex also received warm and enthusiastic reactions from the audience.

As if all that weren’t enough, Springsteen also gave a shoutout to the Piano Man, who has boosted his presence in Florida and isn’t much in a “New York State of Mind” after listing his Gold Coast mansion, movin’ out and becoming a Florida resident.

“Let Billy hear ya in Florida!” Springsteen said during “Hungry Heart.”

Springsteen, of Freehold, New Jersey, has shouted out Long Island — and Hicksville’s Joel — before.

In 2009, at a 25th anniversary concert for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at Madison Square Garden, Springsteen asked the audience: “Are you ready for the bridge-and-tunnel summit meeting right here, right now? Because Long Island is about to meet New Jersey on the neutral ground of New York City!”

Then, Joel emerged. The two performed together.

Newsday’s Rachel Weiss contributed to this story.