Pritzker, State Police Dedicate Richard G. Warner Highway

LOCKPORT, IL — Illinois State Police and the Warner family joined Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other officials to honor a fallen Illinois state trooper at a ceremony commemorating the dedication of the Trooper Richard G. Warner Memorial Highway.

Also in attendance were state Sens. John Connor, Meg Loughran Cappel and Mike Hastings, state Reps. Larry Walsh Jr., Dagmara Avelar and Natalie Manley, who co-sponsored the resolution to dedicate the roadway, as well as Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Will County Executive Jennifer Bertine Tarrant and Will County Government League Executive Director Hugh O’Hara.

State police officials, along with Warner’s family members, unveiled the memorial sign on the stretch of Route 53 in Lockport that now bear's the trooper's name.

“With the establishment of the Trooper Richard G. Warner Memorial Highway, everyone who drives through this region will know his name – a fitting honor for a man who was a cornerstone of his community,” Pritzker said in a news release. “And in another commitment to those who live to serve as we head into the Illinois State Police Centennial: I’m announcing today that Illinois will honor every state trooper who has paid the ultimate price in the line of duty with an official highway sign designation by Dec. 31, 2022. It’s another way we can uphold our promise to serve those who served us.”

Warner died in the line of duty in 1969 after responding to a traffic accident in which a fellow Navy combat veteran had attempted to kill himself.

The driver, briefly left in the office at headquarters, grabbed another trooper's handgun from a desk and fired two shots, fatally wounding Warner and injuring another trooper, before taking his own life.

Warner was a United States Naval Reservist who served during World War II, according to a news release from the Illinois State Police. During his time in District 5, he was certified as a Juvenile Officer and served as a leader in the District. In 1960, Warner received a special commendation from the United States Justice Department for locating foreign sailors who jumped from docked ships in the region. In 1968, Warner received commendations for leading the District and arresting seven car thieves, state police said.

“Today’s dedication is about Trooper Warner’s amazing legacy. His bravery, exemplary military service, and the ultimate sacrifice he made will never be forgotten,” Stratton said in a release. “I would also like to recognize the extraordinary dedication of all our state troopers, veterans, and their families. Illinois is forever grateful for their service and for keeping our state safe.”

At the time of his death, Warner was a 12-year veteran of the Illinois State Police. He was survived by his wife and four children.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly spoke in honor of Warner.

“The Illinois State Police save countless lives by protecting the citizens of Illinois through rigorous law enforcement and patrolling of the roadways of our state. Every day, they brave ever-present danger to assist a stranded motorist, to investigate gun, drug and human trafficking, to stop public corruption, to bring closure to devastated families, to stop dangerous driving and dangerous individuals,” Kelly said. “Trooper Warner is an example of the dedication of the Illinois State Police, and it’s fitting that we remember his sacrifice today.”

State Sen. Connor called on Illinoisans to honor Warner's sacrifice.

"More than a half century has passed since Trooper Warner laid down his life for his community. The flame of his example burns as brightly now as it did then. And we need to do our part to keep that flame alive not only in gratitude for Trooper Warner and his family, but so that those who serve and protect us all over our great state know that the risks and sacrifices they have chosen to undertake are appreciated," Connor said.

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