Tragic Loss of an Illinois State Police District 15 Trooper
The Illinois Tollway staff was devastated this weekend when Illinois State Police District 15 Trooper Christopher Lambert was struck by a vehicle while assisting with a three-vehicle crash on the Tri-State Tollway (I-294). ISP District 15 is the dedicated state police unit assigned to patrol the 294-miles of the Illinois Tollway system, and each and every day they risk their lives to keep our customers safe. Trooper Lambert was on his way home when he responded to the crash, positioned his vehicle to help divert traffic and was struck by a passing vehicle.
Later that evening, a teen motorist was also killed when his vehicle collided with an Illinois Tollway snowplow stopped to divert traffic away from yet another accident. Each instance occurred during the weekend snowstorm when ISP troopers and a full callout of Tollway plow crews were on our roads to keep our roadways clear and safe.
The Illinois Tollway’s highest priority is protecting the safety of our customers, workers and contractors, a commitment we share with Illinois State Police District 15. Regardless of the weather, the Tollway urges customers to help us keep our roadways safe by taking extra precautions during winter storms—most importantly by slowing down and increasing your distance from the vehicles ahead. State law requires drivers to slow down and move over when approaching any vehicle stopped along a road that has its hazard lights activated—not just emergency vehicles like police cars or snowplows—but any car or truck. Drivers should avoiding sudden lane changes, use their turn signals and always put down their handheld cell phones, which can dangerously distract drivers and are illegal to use in Illinois.
It’s worth remembering that taking these simple steps can save lives.
Governor JB Pritzker has called for flags to fly at half-staff in honor of Trooper Lambert from Wednesday through Friday. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2019 from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington. Law Enforcement walk-through will begin at 6:00 p.m.
Donations may be made to the Lambert family by visiting the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation website at www.isphf.org/donations, or via U.S. mail to P.O. Box 8168, Springfield, Illinois 62791. On the website please ensure to notate in the comments section your donation is being made to the Trooper Lambert Memorial Fund.