Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Something that has been done from time to time by Illinois State Police (ISP) is now going to be done more regularly, and be meaningful for the entire force.
Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said every trooper who died in the line of duty in the century-plus of its existence will get a new highway sign, generally in a location along a highway where family members want them, if there are descendants around. Up to now, only some of those who died on the job got the honor.
“After they are installed, there will be 73 signs along Illinois highways — one for each ISP officer who died while serving,” said Kelly. “As you pass those signs, I ask you to remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives for you. I pray we will never need to install another sign.”
The first state trooper who died in the line of duty was Albert Hassan in 1924. His sign will go on old Route 66 north of Chenoa.
“(For) those who have come before us and paid the ultimate sacrifice, we must remember in order to evolve and further the mission of the Illinois State Police,” said Jarod Ingebrigtsen, a retired State Trooper who is now Executive Director of the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation. “As a retired trooper, I was blessed to have been able to finish my career and retire to spend time with my family. But, the officers on our memorial wall — several of whom I had the privilege of knowing and working alongside — were not so fortunate.”
The Illinois State Police memorial wall is across the street from ISP headquarters in downtown Springfield.
The installation and replacement of highway signs is expected to be largely done this year statewide, with help from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Tollway.
