SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS — A solemn ceremony was held Friday at the Illinois State Police Memorial Park to honor two state troopers who died in the line of duty in 2023. The names of Trooper Corey Thompsen and Trooper Clay Carns were officially added to the memorial wall, bringing the total number of fallen troopers honored to 74.
The ceremony drew families, fellow officers, and state officials to remember the lives and service of two men who gave everything for their communities.
A Loss Felt Deeply by Families and the Force
Trooper Corey Thompsen, 28, was killed on October 18, 2023, during a motorcycle patrol crash involving a pickup truck in rural Champaign County. He had served nearly five years with the Illinois State Police.
His wife, Chelsea Thompsen, was among the speakers.
“This wall represents so much more than honoring the troopers lost while doing a job they loved,” she said. “It symbolizes devastated families, quiet homes that once had laughter, and dreams lost. But even though this wall reminds me of the worst day of my life, I’m grateful Corey will never be forgotten.”
Trooper Clay Carns, 35, died on December 23, 2023, just two days before Christmas, when he exited his squad car to remove debris from Interstate 55 in Will County and was fatally struck. He had served with the State Police for 11 years.
His wife, Meghan Carns, delivered a tribute reflecting on his courage:
“We are forever proud of the man Clay was and the heroic way he lived his life. We’re proud to see him honored in this way.”
A Permanent Place of Honor
The memorial wall in Springfield stands as a lasting tribute to the bravery, sacrifice, and service of troopers across the state who died protecting others.
The Illinois State Police say it’s not just a place of memory but a call for public awareness and appreciation of what it truly means to serve on the front lines of public safety.
The wall now bears 74 names — a painful but powerful reminder of the risks troopers take each day.
You can view coverage of the ceremony and livestream updates via 25News.
Have you or a loved one served in Illinois law enforcement? Share your memories or tributes with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com as we honor those who protect and serve.
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