Two fallen Illinois State Troopers were honored Tuesday as their names were added to the Illinois State Police Memorial Park Wall in Springfield.
In separate ceremonies, family, friends, and fellow officers gathered to pay tribute to Trooper Corey Thompsen and Trooper Clay Carns, both of whom were killed in the line of duty in 2024.
Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the names on the wall are more than just engraved letters — they represent lives dedicated to public service.
The memorial wall now bears 74 names, each a reminder of the risks troopers face every day. ISPHF Executive Director Jarod Ingebrigtsen called it “a way to honor those who served selflessly, and those who continue to carry on the values of Integrity, Service, and Pride.”
Trooper Corey Thompsen, 28, was killed on October 18 after completing a traffic safety detail in Champaign County. He was struck by a pickup truck while riding his department motorcycle. He served nearly five years with ISP and is survived by his wife Chelsea, his parents, and two brothers.
Trooper Clay Carns, 35, died on December 23 while removing debris from I-55 near Channahon. He was struck by a passing vehicle and later died at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet. Carns had served 11 years with ISP and was assigned to Troop 3. He leaves behind his wife Meghan, two children, and a large extended family.
The ISP Memorial Park was dedicated in 2018 and stands as a solemn tribute to the ultimate sacrifice made by Illinois State Troopers.
