New Hampshire
New Hampshire Air National Guard commander, a married father of 5, killed in hit-and-run crash
The commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard was struck and killed in a hit-and-run crash on Monday, police said.
The Rochester Police Department announced in a social media post on Tuesday that 57-year-old John Pogorek, the brigadier general, assistant adjutant general commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard, was killed in the crash.
Authorities said that a preliminary investigation revealed that the 57-year-old married father of five stopped his 2014 Toyota Tundra on the side of the road when the incident happened.
Police said that Pogorek had gotten out of his pick-up truck to secure his load, when a red Toyota RAV4 struck him while he was outside his vehicle.
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According to his biography, Pogorek graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1989, and joined the New Hampshire Air National Guard in 1999. (New Hampshire National Guard)
Following the collision, Pogorek was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Police later located the RAV4, and identified the driver as Paul Clement, 81, who police said continued driving after the crash. It was not immediately clear whether Clement would face any charges.
A juvenile passenger who was inside Pogorek’s truck during the crash was not injured, police said.
John Pogorek was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Rochester police. (New Hampshire National Guard)
Pogorek became the commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard in June 2022, according to the New Hampshire Air National Guard.
Previously, he was the commander of the 157th Air Refueling Wing at Pease Air National Guard Base in New Hampshire, and the commander of the 157th Operations Group at the same base.
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He first joined the New Hampshire Air National Guard in January 1999.
“Gen. Pogorek was an exemplary wingman, mentor and friend to many,” New Hampshire Adjutant Gen. David Mikolaities said in a statement, “He served his state and nation with the utmost professionalism and dedication. He will be deeply missed.”
Republican Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire offered his condolences to the family of Gen. Pogorek. (Paul Steinhauser/Fox News)
In a statement on X, Gov. Chris Sununu thanked Pogorek for his lifetime of service to his country.
“On behalf of the entire State of New Hampshire, I extend my sincere condolences to the family of Gen. Pogorek,” Sununu wrote. “Gen. Pogorek served his state, country, and community with honor. His commitment and contributions to the Granite State will never be forgotten.”
He is survived by his wife, Whitney Pogorek, and their five children.
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The Rochester police said that the crash remains under investigation and anyone with information can contact the department at 603-330-7128.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Pease Air National Guard Base for comment.
The federal government has activated the New Hampshire National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling Wing in connection with the war with Iran.
“I’ve had a briefing myself, a classified briefing, but it’s really important on the messaging on this that we really coordinate with the Pentagon,” Gov. Kelly Ayotte told reporters during a press briefing following Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting.
Ayotte said she was unable to share additional details about the nature of the New Hampshire National Guard’s activity related to the conflict, including how many guard members have been activated or what role they are playing.
“We’re going to respect what messaging comes out of the Pentagon just to make sure that our men and women in uniform are fully protected and that we aren’t providing any information that could be used in a way that would be harmful to them,” Ayotte said.
In a statement Thursday, Ayotte said the unit had been deployed in late February to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of the operation.
Earlier this week, Pentagon officials confirmed that members of the Vermont National Guard were involved in attacks against Iran over the weekend, though our news partners at Vermont Public were not able to confirm additional details on the nature of the operation.
During the briefing with local reporters, Ayotte also stressed her support for servicemembers and those close to them.
“I have such respect for our men and women in uniform,” Ayotte said. “As you know, I come from a military family, and they have our full support, and we appreciate them and their families, and obviously anyone who is serving right now, and my thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost someone that they love.”
By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment.
He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads.
The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
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