Illinois to Install Highway Signs Honoring Police Killed on Duty

One sign will commemorate a former Winchester undercover officer killed in 1972.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The state of Illinois will soon be installing highway signs to honor police officers killed in the line of duty, including a sign for Pete Lackey, a former undercover officer with the Illinois Bureau of Investigations who was killed in 1972 while working in Winchester.

Why it matters

Honoring fallen officers is an important way for communities to recognize the sacrifices made by law enforcement and show support for their service. The signs will serve as a permanent memorial for the 73 state police officers who have died on the job since 1922.

The details

Pete Lackey was working undercover for the Illinois Bureau of Investigations when he was killed on November 27, 1972. The alleged assailant, Baron Dean Fonner, was later found not guilty of Lackey's murder but later bragged about killing him. The sign honoring Lackey will be located on I-72 near New Berlin.

  • The highway signs will be installed in the near future.
  • Lackey was killed on November 27, 1972.

The players

Pete Lackey

A former undercover officer with the Illinois Bureau of Investigations who was killed in the line of duty in 1972.

Baron Dean Fonner

The alleged assailant who was later found not guilty of Lackey's murder but later bragged about killing him.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The installation of these highway signs is an important way for Illinois to honor the memory of fallen police officers and recognize the sacrifices made by law enforcement to protect their communities.