Vehicle in hit-and-run that killed Air Guard commander took significant damage

Brig. Gen. John W. "Pogo" Pogorek of Strafford (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The car involved in the hit-and-run crash earlier this month that killed the commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard sustained serious damage, Rochester Police confirmed today.
Brig. Gen. John W. "Pogo" Pogorek, 57, of Strafford, died from injuries sustained when he was struck by a red Toyota Rav 4 headed west while resecuring a load on his SUV's trailer in the area of 10 Crown Point Road around 5:20 p.m. on July 8.
The Toyota took significant damage to the front passenger side of the vehicle, including the hood, fender and mirror area, according to Rochester Police Capt. Todd Pinkham.
Not long after the accident police were able to locate the red Rav 4, which was later determined to be driven by Paul Clement, 81, of Rochester, who is cooperating with police, Patrol Captain Jeremy F. Aucoin said soon after the crash. The vehicle was also impounded and remains so today, Pinkham said.
Pogorek, who had been driving a 2014 Toyota Tundra prior to getting out of the vehicle, was pronounced deceased on scene.
A juvenile passenger in the Tundra during the crash did not sustain any injuries from the incident, police say.
The Strafford County Regional Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team is assisting with the investigation.
Pinkham added that the Strafford Couty Attorneys Office is aware of the ongoing probe.
Pogorek was named commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard in 2022, and his duties included keeping Adj. General David J. Mikolaities and Gov. Chris Sununu apprised of all matters related to the New Hampshire Air National Guard. He was also responsible for all operations at the base.
In a statement released soon after his death, the New Hampshire National Guard spoke highly of Pogorek as being one of their "finest airmen and leaders."
Gov. Chris Sununu also praised his service, saying Pogorek's "commitment and contributions to the Granite State will never be forgotten."
Pogorek is survived by his wife, Whitney, and their five children.
All aspects of the crash remain under investigation. Anyone who may have information that may assist in the investigation is encouraged to contact Rochester Police Department Detective Matthew Flathers at (603) 330-7128 or matthew.flathers@rochesternh.gov.