Three Maryland State Police troopers turned out in support of a teen, whose father was killed in the line of duty four years ago, during his high school commencement last Friday.
Ryan Shymoniak, one of six sons survived by fallen Trooper Shaft Hunter, graduated from Gwynn Park High School in Prince George's County on May 22.
Maryland State Police Sgt. Forrester, Trooper Mross and Trooper DeSantis attended Ryan's graduation to support him and honor his father.
Hunter was killed when his cruiser collided with the back of a tractor-trailer that was parked on the shoulder of I-95 in Howard County around 2:40 a.m. on May 21, 2011 while he was in pursuit of a speeding motorcyclist.
In a post on the Maryland State Police Facebook page, Ryan's grandmother Cheryl Shymoniak gave thanks to the troopers.
"Thank you so much Troopers! It made our grandson's day extra special," she wrote. "We are all so proud of Ryan who will be attending Old Dominion University in August. Two of his siblings Deion and Brianna Hunter will also be graduating next week. They also will be attending college. I know Shaft is smiling his beautiful smile and leading his children from above."
