Illinois to Honor Every Fallen State Police Officer with Memorial Signs

New uniform signs will be installed statewide to commemorate the sacrifice of Illinois State Police who died in the line of duty.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:15pm

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A photorealistic close-up of a state trooper's hat and badge resting on an empty, sun-dappled country road, conveying a somber, reflective mood about the sacrifices of law enforcement.The new memorial signs will permanently honor the legacies of Illinois State Police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities.Kankakee Today

The state of Illinois announced plans to install memorial signs along roadways across the state to honor every Illinois State Police officer killed in the line of duty. The new standardized signs will ensure the service and sacrifice of these fallen officers is properly recognized and remembered by the public.

Why it matters

This initiative aims to permanently memorialize the legacies of Illinois State Police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the people of Illinois. The uniform signs will serve as a constant public reminder of the dangers law enforcement face and the critical role state troopers play in keeping communities safe.

The details

Over the next several months, the Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Tollway will erect the new memorial signs for all 73 Illinois State Police officers killed in the line of duty since the agency was founded in 1922. The signs will replace the existing varied designs with a standardized look to show equal respect for each officer's sacrifice.

  • The first ISP memorial sign was installed in 2011 on State Highway 13 to honor Trooper Lory Price, who was murdered in 1927.
  • The new uniform signs for all fallen ISP officers will be installed over the next several months.

The players

Governor JB Pritzker

The Governor of Illinois who announced the memorial sign initiative to honor the legacies of fallen state troopers.

Brendan F. Kelly

Director of the Illinois State Police, who stated the new signs will ensure the sacrifice of every fallen officer is not forgotten.

Gia Biagi

Illinois Transportation Secretary, who said the signs will remind drivers of the constant risks state troopers face to keep the public safe.

Cassaundra Rouse

Executive Director of the Illinois Tollway, which will participate in installing the memorial signs along its system.

Jarod Ingebrigtsen

Executive Director of the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation, which helped organize the memorial sign initiative.

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What they’re saying

“The lives and legacies of our fallen State Police Officers deserve to be honored for generations to come, and we will ensure that no sacrifice goes unrecognized.”

— Governor JB Pritzker

“While the State has installed signs along Illinois highways in dedication of fallen ISP Officers over the years, we recognized there were not signs for every fallen ISP Officer, and to honor them, we are changing that.”

— Brendan F. Kelly, ISP Director

“For the millions of drivers on Illinois roads each day, these signs are a reminder that Troopers constantly put their lives on the line to keep the public protected and safe.”

— Gia Biagi, Illinois Transportation Secretary

“Remembering those men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice is one of the most important endeavors we can undertake to honor their legacies and families.”

— Jarod Ingebrigtsen, ISP Heritage Foundation Executive Director

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This initiative to install memorial signs for every fallen Illinois State Trooper demonstrates the state's commitment to honoring the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers who protect the public. The uniform signs will serve as a lasting tribute to these heroes and remind all who see them of the risks officers face daily to keep communities safe.