Illinois Tollway and Illinois State Police Dedicate Monument Honoring Fallen Troopers and Tollway Workers
Honoring those who gave their lives serving others, the Illinois Tollway and Illinois State Police this month dedicated a new granite memorial to fallen ISP District 15 troopers and Tollway workers who have died in the line of duty.
“We’ve created a permanent, fitting memorial that commemorates the dedication of the Tollway workers and Illinois State Police troopers who lost their lives serving and protecting the drivers who use our roads,” said Illinois Tollway Lanyea Griffin. “We will never forget their sacrifice and this memorial provides a peaceful, proper place for family members, friends and colleagues to gather to remember their lives and service.”
The solemn dedication of the black-and-gray memorial outside Tollway headquarters in Downers Grove preceded another event that honors fallen ISP troopers from across the state and helps support their families; the 15th Annual Lt. Rich Kozik Motorcycle & Fun Car Run.
Holding the two events together symbolizes the strong partnership between the two agencies and recognizes the ultimate sacrifice some individuals in those organizations have made while assisting and protecting drivers on the Tollway system.
“The new memorial at the Illinois Tollway and the 15th Annual Lt. Rich Kozik Motorcycle & Fun Car Run both help us remember and celebrate those who have lost their lives in the service of Illinois and support their family and friends,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “This memorial embodies the enduring commitment to public safety and public service that both agencies share.”
The curved walls of the memorial are inscribed with the names of troopers and Tollway workers who have died in the line of duty since the Tollway system opened more than 60 years ago.
Previously, smaller memorials had been built at different locations around the Tollway system to honor individual troopers and roadway workers who died while on duty. Tollway and ISP leaders though, wanted to create a central, permanent monument to collectively remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving others.
Along with the names of the fallen troopers and Tollway workers, the memorial is inscribed with a quotation from Dr. Maya Angelou that reminds visitors “a great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again and again.”
This memorial will honor forever the “great souls” who gave their lives serving others but live on in the memories of their relatives, friends and coworkers.
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