SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Emil Jones III successfully led a resolution to rename a portion of I-55 in honor of late State Trooper Clay M. Carns.
“Trooper Carns died doing the same thing he had done every day for 11 years – diligently and faithfully serving the people of Illinois,” said Jones (D-Chicago). “This resolution is only a small token of our immense gratitude for his life and service.”
Carns, a native of Pinckneyville, was struck and killed by a passing vehicle on Dec. 23, 2024 while removing debris from Channahon. He had served with the Illinois State Police for 11 years and during his tenure had received the Violent Crime Expressway Ribbon for his work in helping combat gun violence and interstate shootings, as well as the departmental Medal of Honor commendation, a unit Meritorious Performance Award, and seven honorable mentions. He is survived by his parents, wife and two children.
House Joint Resolution 14 would designate I-55 Mile Marker 243 to 244, near where Carns was killed, as the "ISP Trooper Clay M. Carns Memorial Highway."
“Let us commit to keeping Trooper Carns’ memory alive by ensuring no more senseless deaths like this occur on our highways,” said Jones. “Drivers must always slow down or move over for emergency or construction vehicles. Doing so is not only following the law – it saves lives.”
House Joint Resolution 14 passed the Senate Saturday.
