Heart attack claims life of lawman from Rochester

Peter Cormier ... grew up in Rochester (Courtesy photo)

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - Lawmen from around the Seacoast today are mourning the unexpected death of North Hampton Police Officer and Rochester native Peter Cormier.

Cormier, who graduated from Spaulding High School, was an 18-year veteran of the North Hampson force, where he also served as a firearms instructor, detective and field training officer.

He died at Portsmouth Regional Hospital on Saturday after suffering an apparent heart attack at home.

Law enforcement from around the Seacoast gathered at the hospital to remember Cormier and support his family, according to a hospital spokesperson.

Cormier, 46, was an Army veteran and also served with the 157th Security Police Squadron of the New Hampshire Air National Guard.

His brother, James, serves with the Greenland Police Department, which released a statement of condolences, adding, "Pete has spent his life serving country and his community through the National Guard and police department."

Funeral arrangements are still incomplete.