The Illinois State Police (ISP) will attend National Police Week May 11 through May 17, 2025 in Washington D.C. National Police Week serves as a time to remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, honor those who have served and continue to serve, and offer support to fellow officers and their loved ones. It’s also an opportunity for citizens to show their appreciation to the men and women who keep our communities safe while dealing with the inherent dangers of police work.
“National Police Week is especially poignant for ISP this year as we honor both Trooper Corey Thompsen and Trooper Clay Carns, who were killed in the line of duty in 2024, and recognize them and their families for making the ultimate sacrifice,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “It takes a special kind of person to be willing to walk out their front door every day, knowing it could be their last, and doing it anyway. God Bless law enforcement and law enforcement families, those we’ve have lost, those who have served, and those who are serving.”
Trooper Corey Thompsen and Trooper Clay Carns both died tragically last year as the result of injuries sustained in traffic crashes. Trooper Thompsen and Trooper Carns will be honored throughout National Police Week in Washington D.C. National Police Week events, including the Candlelight Vigil and the National Memorial Service, are open to the public and allow families, friends, and coworkers to mourn the loss of their loved ones and honor their sacrifice. ISP’s attendance at this event provides an opportunity for ISP officers to honor their fallen comrades from other police agencies around the country, and highlights ISP’s continued support to the families of our fallen officers. ISP officers are attending National Police Week to pay respects for not only our own fallen officers, but those across the country. ISP will also provide support and assistance to the families, friends, and co-workers of Trooper Thompsen and Trooper Carns.
Law enforcement has been regularly ranked as one of the 10 most dangerous occupations in the United States, specifically for police and correctional officers, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics cited by the University of Illinois Chicago Law Enforcement Epidemiology Project. In 2021, 159 law enforcement officers died on the job, of which approximately 40% were caused by assaults/homicides, and 40% were caused in transportation incidents.
***Courtesy of the Illinois State Police***
