Memorial Highway Dedicated To Fallen State Trooper

NORTHBROOK, IL — Nearly 11 months after Trooper Christopher Lambert was fatally struck on his way home from work on a snowy afternoon, his family, friends, politicians and police gathered to dedicate in his honor the portion of highway where he was killed. The Trooper Christopher Lambert Memorial Highway is located between mile markers 49.25 and 50 on Interstate 294 north of Willow Road.

"This memorial highway dedication will ensure everyone remembers and no one ever forgets the sacrifice Chris and his loved ones made on Jan. 12, 2019. He deserved much more — and nothing less — than that," ISP Director Brendan said.

Lambert, 34, of Highland Park, spent five years working for Illinois State Police and eight years in the US Army and Army reserves. He left behind a young child and a wife, Haley, who gave birth to their second daughter in August.

"Chris lived a purposeful life, a life of service, as a member of the United States military and as a trooper with the Illinois State Police. But the most important role in life was that of a loving son, husband and father," Kelly said, speaking Thursday at a ceremony at the Rosemont Theatre.

Kelly remembered Lambert's death came just as he began his role as chief of state police. He said he directed former Director Leo Schmitz to handle the response to the incident at the time, choosing to observe instead.

But whenever asked in the months that followed how he handled having to had to bury three other state troopers killed in the line of duty in 2019, Kelly said he recalled the composure of Lambert's widow.

"I reflected on the strength that I saw in Halley. How she carried herself that day and through those difficult days," he said.

Lambert had gotten out of his patrol car to help motorists involved in a three-car crash on the side of the highway when he was hit. He was taken to Glenbrook Hospital and pronounced dead a short time later.

"One his way home, at the end of his shift, Trooper Lambert saw the danger to those people involved in the three-vehicle crash, and intentionally placed himself and his vehicle in a position to protect them," Kelly said in a statement. "This noble act demonstrated his amazing character that many of those who worked with him already knew and experienced. From now on, the sign posted on the stretch of highway dedicated to Trooper Lambert, will ensure his memory and legacy live on forever."

A Wisconsin accountant is awaiting trial on reckless homicide charges in connection with the incident. While other drivers exercised caution and moved away from the crash site in the left lane, prosecutors said, the Kenosha County man sped up and attempted to pass on the shoulder.

Related:

'He's A Hero,' ISP Director Says Of Trooper Killed In Crash
Wisconsin Man Charged With Reckless Homicide In Trooper's Death
Accountant Pleads Not Guilty To State Trooper's Reckless Homicide

Lambert's death took place after a new legislature was sworn in but before a new governor was inaugurated. One of the freshman lawmakers sworn in earlier that month was 58th District State Rep. Bob Morgan, of Highwood. Lambert and his wife were his constituents, and he and Sen. Julie Morrison, of Deerfield, sponsored the bill dedicating the highway to the fallen trooper.

Morgan also spoke at the ceremony in Rosemont, remembering Lambert's life of integrity and service.

"I probably saw Chris at the grocery store, or in the neighborhood and I didn't get a chance to say, 'Thank you,'" Morgan said. "You never have a chance to say 'Thank you' when you need to, it's more often when it's too late. So I really wanted to talk here today about how much it means to me, and my family, and for our community for all of you and what you do on a daily basis to keep us safe, during the day, night and to keep us safe, often at your own health risk, by putting yourselves on the line to make sure our families are safe. And it means so much to me, and to my family. So I just wanted to say 'Thank you.' Thank you to Halley and her family. Thank you to all of you for what you do."