Sangamon Sun

Sen. Doris Turner (D-Decatur) is congratulating the Illinois State Police on the event of its centennial. 

“One hundred years ago, our state welcomed the first class of state police officers sworn to protect and serve the people of Illinois,” Turner posted on her website. “After a century of excellence, we thank each officer who put their life on the line to ensure the safety and prosperity of Illinois.”

“Our state is undoubtedly a safer place because of the brave men and women who put on a uniform to protect our state,” Turner said. “I am proud to help recognize an exemplary organization that protects our communities in every corner of the state.”

Rep. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport)  also marked the centennial.

“Democrat and Republican leaders jointly sponsored the resolution and took time to personally thank the visiting state troopers,” Chesney wrote on his website. “Unfortunately, Governor (J.B.) Pritzker and his allies in the state legislature have failed to back up their platitudes with support for police when our men and women in law enforcement needed it the most. Illinois voters will render the final verdict on the anti-police agenda of Pritzker and Illinois Democrats at the ballot box this November.”

On March 29, the Illinois Senate adopted Senate Resolution 0934, which declared that April 2022 is to be known as Illinois State Police Centennial Month.

Many Illinoisans have answered the call of duty to serve. The Capitol News Illinois recently reported Donald Norton, 91, received the Illinois State Police Achievement Medal from Gov. Pritzker for 30 years of service.

The Illinois State Police began with eight highway patrol officers under director John J. Stack, according to the Illinois State Police website. By the agency's 50th anniversary, it had grown to 1,709 sworn officers and 602 civilian employees. In 2022, the Illinois State Police is comprised of 1836 sworn officers and 1084 civilian employees.