SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) State Lodge President Chris Southwood and Illinois FOP Trooper’s Lodge 41 President Joe Moon released the following statements concerning the death of Illinois State Trooper Clay M. Carns, who was removing debris from Interstate 55 near Joliet on Monday night when he was struck and killed by a motorist who has since been charged with a violation of the “Move Over” Law:
Illinois FOP State Lodge President Chris Southwood:
“As you hug your loved ones this holiday, think how fortunate you are that there are public servants like Trooper Carns, dedicated and selfless law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep all of us safe. Clay’s wife, children and parents will no longer be able to hug him on this Christmas Eve simply because Clay was doing his job in a dangerous profession that many citizens take for granted. Please take a moment today to remember and appreciate Trooper Carns’ life and sacrifice, pray for his loved ones, and be thankful that we still have men and women who face danger 24 hours a day so we can embrace our own family and friends during the holidays.”
Illinois FOP Trooper’s Lodge 41 President Joe Moon:
“Illinois lost a true hero on Monday night, someone who dedicated his life to making his home state a safer place for all. But Clay Carns was even more than that. He is an example of what a husband, father, son, colleague, and law enforcement officer should be. Clay’s loss is being deeply felt by all who knew him, especially during this season. I urge all Illinoisans to honor his memory by cherishing your own loved ones and by praying for the well-being of all first responders who guarantee the freedoms we cherish.”
The Fraternal Order of Police, founded in 1915, is the largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers in the United States. With a proud tradition of officers representing officers, the FOP is the most respected and most recognized police organization in the country. The Illinois FOP, chartered in 1963, is the second largest State Lodge, proudly representing more than 34,000 active duty and retired police officers – more than 10 percent of all FOP members nationwide. Visit www.ilfop.org for more information.
Trooper’s Lodge 41 Fraternal Order of Police represents approximately 3,200 sworn and retired troopers. The Lodge is the voice of those who dedicated their lives to protecting and serving the many citizens of Illinois. Trooper’s Lodge 41 is dedicated to improving the working conditions of the men and women of the Illinois State Police through legislation and employee representation.